Articles
Instant Wealth
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage,
But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.”
(Proverbs 21:5)
Lotteries and Casinos. Both exist because of the same reason: people are looking for ways to get rich…and now! Occasionally we’ll hear of someone hitting the jackpot and becoming an instant millionaire. But honestly. How many out of the millions that play truly win? Ever noticed the size and beauty of the casinos? They were able to build these elaborate buildings off the money they make from the foolish gamblers. Plus, how many stories do we hear about wrecked lives from people that squandered their wealth? Those stories are buried on purpose! They don’t want us to know that ugly side.
God set the example of work in His creative process. He worked for six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 2:2). It is His intention that mankind do the same. As a result, those desiring to strike it rich are operating outside of the divine plan. They are violating several spiritual principles.
First, God intends for man to work. Those desiring to get rich quickly are hoping to skip this divine step (Exodus 20:9-10; 31:15; 34:21).
Second, God intends for man to give his best effort in his work (Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 4:6:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Those seeking instant wealth typically give half-hearted efforts. Their focus is not on doing quality work, but their mind is drifting, thinking of instant wealth.
Third, those seeking to get rich quickly are guilty of covetousness and greed (Proverbs 28:20; Colossians 3:3; 1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Fourth, such a person is in partnership with the lazy. The lazy want others to enrich them (Proverbs 10:4; 12:24, 27; 13:4). Scripture teaches that both the hasty and the lazy end up in the same place: poverty (cf. Proverbs 6:10-11; 24:33-34).
The first part of this proverb presents the better approach. Our plan (to acquire wealth) is to be “diligent.” That word means to be steadfast and persistent in our work. We are going to go slow, give our best work, and anticipate blessings from that approach. Solomon says that such will “lead surely to advantage.” Why will it work? Because it is God’s design!
Time to get to work!
