If there was one thing or attitude that is keeping you from being wealthy, wouldn't you want to know what it is so you can avoid it?
We have attitudes or behaviors that help us live a successful life, and because we are complicated human beings, we have attitudes and behaviors that undermine our quest for success. We have to challenge ourselves to turn from things that keep us from blessing. There is one thing that keeps us from success, and the Bible tells what it is.
"Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich." Proverbs 21:17.
Here are four short observations about what the Bible says.
FIRST: WHO
This verse does not single out the rich, the poor, or the middle class. What is says it says to everybody, we see that because it starts with the word, whoever. So no matter who you are, the statement applies to you.
SECOND: LOVES PLEASURE
Pleasure is not bad, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying life and the blessings God gives us. The danger is for those who live for pleasure or are consumed by it or motivated by it. It could be the one who has a "live for the weekend" attitude.
THIRD: THE RICH BECOME POOR
If you are rich, then loving pleasure will make you poor. Perhaps as you pursue fun, you miss out on business opportunities. Perhaps you spend more than you should on pleasurable pursuits and business suffers from inattention. Perhaps you lose your focus on good financial decisions. There are many reasons, but whatever they may be, loving pleasure will take your wealth away.
FOURTH: THE POOR WILL NEVER BECOME RICH
This scripture was written in ancient times when wine and olive oil cost huge amounts of money.
- Possessing them signified status.
- Wine and olive oil can refer to the freedom to consume.
- Wine and olive oil gives us an image of one who loves food and drink.
There is nothing wrong with being well thought of and admired, or of having nice things or of being able to provide food and shelter for yourself and those you love. But if status, possessions, and self-gratification are your focus, then you will never be rich.
Jesus reminded us who we should love, "He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:36-40,
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