WWJD By Dr. Richard Youngblood
Question: Are there any practical money management
principles that Jesus would suggest for people facing financially difficult
times? (Part 1)
Jesus often spoke about attitudes toward money, wealth and poverty as well as, about wisely managing what God has entrusted into our care (Matthew 6:19-21; 19:23-24; 25:15-30; Luke 12:16-21; Luke 16). While these teachings are helpful for Christians who view life from a faith perspective, Jesus was not teaching financial strategies for 21st Century people; but, I do believe he might suggest some practical principles from the Book of Proverbs. The wise man who penned and collected the biblical proverbs was not giving laws; he was giving general statement of truths that can still be observed in everyday life. These observations include a number of simple, common sense principles that help us keep out of trouble with money in financially difficult times.
For example, I believe that Jesus
would encourage us to avoid borrowing money and to get out of debt as soon as possible. The wise man of the Proverbs said that “the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). A little later he added: “Do not be a man who strikes hands in
pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very
bed will be snatched from under you” (Proverbs
22:26-27). This does not mean that
borrowing is sinful. It means that
unpaid loans cause problems for lenders who must carry them in difficult times. Honesty demands that people pay their debts
(Romans 13:7-8; Ephesians 4:25-18; cf. Proverbs 28:6). However, this may become impossible if people
lose their jobs. The Proverbs warn: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you
do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Therefore, we need to do all we can to
eliminate as much debt as possible.
The Proverbs also teach us the
importance of diligent labor. Laziness
and casual indifference toward any job is a luxury we can ill afford in
difficult times. The wise man said: “All hard work brings a profit, but
mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs
14:23; also 20:13; 28:19 & 10:4). He also said: “Lazy hands
make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4); and, “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little
folding of the hands to rest-- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and
scarcity like an armed man” (Proverbs
6:10-11). We must never assume that an unemployed person is lazy or careless in
his work. But when jobs are scarce,
employers are more likely to keep an employee who gives an honest day’s work
for his pay. Undependable and lazy
people cost employers money they cannot afford to pay.
When
many of us are unemployed and jobs are few, we must not allow pride to keep us
from doing whatever kind of work is available until we have an opportunity for something
better. “Before his downfall a man's heart
is proud,” said the wise man, “but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12). Don’t be too proud to take a job even if the
pay is not great or the work is not what you prefer. A man of wisdom will have the humility to
accept the instruction and guidance which may lead to a new job or career. Proverbs 13:18 says, “He who ignores
discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” At least you will be able to provide food and shelter for yourself and your
family.
Look
for more principles from Proverbs next week in part 2.
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