GOD'S ADVICE ABOUT MONEY

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Proverbs gives some practical instruction on the use of money, although sometimes it is advice we would rather not hear. It's more comfortable to continue in our habits than to learn how to use money more wisely. The advice includes:

1. Be generous in giving  
 
a) Text reference: Proverbs 11:24-25; 22:9
 
i) ²⁴ There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. ²⁵ The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. (Proverbs 11:24-25 NKJV)
 
ii) ⁹ He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9 NKJV)

2. Place people's needs ahead of profit
 
a) Text reference: Proverbs 11:26
 
i) ²⁶ The people will curse him who withholds grain, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. (Proverbs 11:26 NKJV)

3. Be cautious of countersigning for another
 
a) Text reference: Proverbs 17:18; 22:26-27
 
i) ¹⁸ A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend. (Proverbs 17:18 NKJV)
 
ii) ²⁶ Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts; ²⁷ If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you? (Proverbs 22:26-27 NKJV)

4. Don't accept bribes
 
a) Text reference: Proverbs 17:23
 
i) ²³ A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice. (Proverbs 17:23 NKJV)

5. Help the poor
 
a) Text reference: Proverbs 19:17; 21:13

i) ¹⁷ He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given. (Proverbs 19:17 NKJV)

ii) ¹³ Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. (Proverbs 21:13 NKJV)

6. Store up for the future
 
a) Text reference: Proverbs 21:20

i) ²⁰ There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV)

7. Be careful about borrowing

a) Text reference: Proverbs 22:7

i) ⁷ The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7 NKJV)

8. Other verses to study

a) Text reference: Proverbs 11:15; 20:16; 25:14; 27:13

i) ¹⁵ He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, But one who hates being surety is secure. (Proverbs 11:15)

ii) ¹⁶ Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. (Proverbs 20:16 NKJV)

iii) ¹⁴ Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain. (Proverbs 25:14 NKJV)

iv) ¹³ Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress. (Proverbs 27:13 NKJV)

The End ...