Can More Money Give You More Wisdom?

Can money buy wisdom?

In March 2018, Forbes reported that there are a record 2,208 billionaires in the world.  And in the court of public opinion, most people judge a billionaire to be very smart.  They often know the difference between what’s too risky, and what’s a risk worth taking.  They have been smart enough to keep working smarter, not harder.  They were smart enough to know the right time to buy or sell.  In matters of finance, they are very smart.  Even brilliant.

Many marvel at the billionaire’s financial brilliance.  But do we have that same awe over the resilient Christian?  What does it say about you if you find yourself pondering an earthly home upgrade more than you ponder residing in God’s heavenly mansions?  Is your hero a self-made billionaire, or someone who quietly, confidently spends time in God’s Word?  Is your goal for the rest of 2018 to have more money in your pockets, or to have more Bible verses hidden away in your heart?

It’s sinfully shallow to drool over the billionaire’s financial wisdom, while your Bible continues to collect dust.

The Scripture says, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.  For he guards the course of the just, and protects the way of the faithful (Proverbs 2:6-8).”  

Genuine wisdom only has one source.  It will never be money.  It will always be God’s mouth.  Can money give you the power to fight temptation?  When all stock markets and financial systems are destroyed, can money reserve your home in heaven?  When you’ve heard some devastating news, can money give you assurance that the Lord is looking out for you?  Money can’t ever buy that.  But God’s Word will always give it.

Only in the Bible, do we become wise to what does and does not last.  Only in the Bible, do we hear about victory in store for us on Judgment Day.  Only in his Word will God assure us that he is our shield, our guardian and our protection, even as everything around us seems to crumble.

Don’t set your heart upon your assets and liabilities.  Instead, set your heart upon your home in heaven, freely given through Christ.  Then read Proverbs 2:6-8 again out loud, thanking God for making you one of the wisest people around…and promising to protect your wisdom until the day you meet your Savior in heaven.

Prayer:  All-knowing Savior, fill me with your divine truth.  Then I will see this short-sighted world for what it truly is, and I will see your eternal blessings for what they truly are.  Keep me from being jealous of those who have much worldly knowledge, and yet despise your wisdom and instruction.  Steer me far away from the love of money, and from idolizing those who are wealthy.  Instead, give me a prioritized agenda that longs to keep learning your Word.  Implant within me a new heart that treasures your promises with joyful regularity, and fixes itself on the victory you have in store for me.  Amen.