May 2, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
 WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#8. Smart Money…
He who pursues righteousness finds life, prosperity and honor.
Proverbs 21:21
The recent economic downturn has exposed, for many of us, our attitudes about money and wealth. We have been pursuing happiness, security and status; thinking that they could be purchased. We now know better. The sobering financial meltdown may be God’s opportunity to remind us of true riches, lasting wealth, and the real value of a dollar. What is He saying…?
- “Smart Money”, at its core, is a _FAITH_ issue, not a _FINANCIAL_ issue.
- God is more concerned with my _WALK_ than He is with my _WALLET_.
Better a poor man whose walk is blameless
than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
Proverbs 28:6
Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4
- The “ _SECURITY_” of money is a poor substitute for trusting in God.
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it an unscalable wall.
Proverbs 18:11
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Proverbs 23:5
- “Smart Money” is earned _HONESTLY_.
- God provides through my _PAYCHECK_.
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23
He who works his land will have abundant food…
Proverbs 28:19
- God provides through my _FAMILY’S_RESOURCES_.
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children…
Proverbs 13:22
Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.
Proverbs 22:28
- God provides through my _LONG_TERM_SAVING_.
Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 13:11
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
Proverbs 23:4
- “Smart Money” is spent _INTENTIONALLY_.
Why have a practical, working budget?
***If I can add and subtract at a fourth grade level,
I can make a budget!
- A budget will tell me if I am spending more money than I am making. Do I need to cut back?
- A budget will give me a clear picture of my spending habits. Where can I cut back?
- A budget will reveal my priorities and values. Where does God want me to cut back?
Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.
Proverbs 24:27
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops…
Proverbs 3:9
- Firstfruits- before rent, bills, groceries, taxes, etc.
- Provide for my “ _DAILY_” bread.
…give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
Proverbs 30:8
- Housing, Food, Utilities, Taxes, Insurance,
Car/transportation, Household, Clothing,
Charity (someone else’s daily bread), Entertainment/Vacations
- Prepare and save for the _FUTURE_.
Dishonest money dwindles away,
but he who gathers little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 13:11
- Plan to _ELIMINATE_ all debt.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7
- List my creditors, either by principle amounts, interest rates, or monthly payments.
- Make at least the minimum payment on every debt every month.
- Choose one bill to pay down quickly by increasing the monthly amount.
- When that debt is paid off, apply its amount to the next one on the list.
- Protect against _IMPULSE_ spending.
He who loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
Proverbs 21:17 |
