When we look at certain words in Scripture, we may just think about them in light of a modern dictionary definition. However, it is always wise to seek a [biblical definition] of words when we are reading Scripture. Words like humility [obedience to God], honesty [following Truth], sensible [self-control], trustworthy [faithful/dependable], and integrity [wholeness in belief and action] all describe the nature of our Savior—the Wisdom of God. These are righteous virtues and very pleasing to our Father. Therefore, these are perfect character goals for us to value; we should ask the Spirit to help us grow more spiritually mature this year in these areas.
In our passage today, Solomon spends time covering these wonderful virtues and we need to let him challenge us. As well, I want to highlight something he covers which is a very dangerous temptation for human beings: Greed [excessive and selfish desires]. Greed may be easy to see in others, but it is very difficult to see in ourselves. We do not want to think of ourselves as not being content even though we want more and more all the time. You know, bigger TV, newer cars, the latest electronics; we just crave a few more things, right?
Greed is foolish because it hurts us and the people around us. Greed breads workaholics who miss meaningful opportunities with family and friends. The Bible describes greed as “deadly” (1 Tim 6:10). It is deceitful in that it steers us away from our true worship and oneness with God. Greed is a false god and is not at all trustworthy.
Greed isn’t how much money we have; it is an insatiable craving for riches and things that is the problem. Hoarding is based on greed. It is all right to want money, a house, provisions for our families, but do we need more and bigger things in order to be happy? Our trust must be in God’s love and generosity toward us not in money and what it can do for us. Remember, Timothy reminds us the danger of the last days is people loving only themselves and their money, so we definitely want to guard our hearts from greed (2 Tim 3:2).
God’s Word teaches the Lord is our Provider—he causes us to gain wealth through integrity—and he knows what we need. God simply wants us to be wise with managing every area of our lives. To step into greed is to walk in unbelief. The only cure or antidote is believing the Lord and his grace is enough; when we believe this we become content. If we walk by the Spirit, we will not seek to fulfill the ungodly desires of our flesh (Gal 5:16).
Proverbs 11 NLT
1
The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,
but he delights in accurate weights.
2
Pride leads to disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3
Honesty [wisdom] guides good people;
dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
4
Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,
but right living can save you from death.
5
The godly are directed by honesty;
the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
6
The godliness of good people rescues them;
the ambition of treacherous people traps them.
7
When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
for they rely on their own feeble strength.
8
The godly are rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.
9
With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
10
The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;
they shout for joy when the wicked die.
11
Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,
but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.
12
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
a sensible person keeps quiet. [wisdom]
13
A gossip goes around telling secrets,
but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. [wisdom]
14
Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
there is safety in having many advisers.
15
There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;
it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.
16
A gracious woman gains respect,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17
Your kindness will reward you,
but your cruelty will destroy you.
18
Evil people get rich for the moment,
but the reward of the godly will last.
19
Godly people find life;
evil people find death.
20
The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,
but he delights in those with integrity. [wisdom]
21
Evil people will surely be punished,
but the children of the godly will go free.
22
A beautiful woman who lacks discretion [wisdom]
is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
23
The godly can look forward to a reward,
while the wicked can expect only judgment.
24
Give freely and become more wealthy;
be stingy and lose everything.
25
The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
26
People curse those who hoard their grain,
but they bless the one who sells in time of need.
27
If you search for good, you will find favor;
but if you search for evil, it will find you!
28
Trust in your money and down you go!
But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.
29
Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.
The fool will be a servant to the wise.
30
The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;
a wise person wins friends.
31
If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,
what will happen to wicked sinners?
Prayer: Lord, Solomon shares many of your ways of Wisdom with us today. We pray to internalize the Truth and grow in godliness rather than reap the negative consequences from demanding our own way. Wisdom comes with humility or obedience to you, so we bow our hearts and ask for your guidance and blessing. Help us be people who run from greed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.