A Moment in Proverbs- Proverbs 10: 1-5

Most children enjoy having some money of their own for a trip to town. However, teaching our children the principals of money is critical so  that they are never taken captive by it but rather have complete control over it. Proverbs chapter 10 talks much about money and how to care for it wisely. Each day the Wood family reads from the Word including a chapter in Proverbs. I am often asked what we talk about when we read and  how to deal with content that may not be age appropriate. I am not going to address the second question today, perhaps another time. Let me share from this chapter a few verses and what we might be saying here in the Wood household

Pro 10:2  Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Will the riches of the wicked profit them anything on the day of Judgment? Of course not. No amount of money can save someone from eternal separation from God. Just like no amount of money can buy someone a place with God. Righteousness means “right standing” only those that are in right standing with God are saved from death (eternal death).  God desires a relationship with us.  Do you think of making money more than you work on your relationship with God? Remember, God desires to show Himself to you. Those that seek Him shall find Him!

Pro 10:3  The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

The wicked can store up much substance but in an instant God can cause all of it to come to not. However, He cares for His people in many ways and will never let our souls famish! What a confidence and Hope we can have in Him!

Pro 10:4  He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

There are times that all of us are tempted to be slack in our jobs, not do them completely, as unto the Lord, or do rush through them so they are not done correctly. Let us remember that slack hands lead us to poverty. Isn’t it kind of God to give us these warnings and reminders throughout His Word? If we will only listen and receive instruction as the wise man we will be blessed and saved from much heartache.

Does this passage mean that a diligent worker will always be rich? That he will never experience hardships financially? Of course not! Remember Job! However, this passage does mean that when/if you find yourself struggling financially you can remind yourself to continue your work diligently for God will not be mocked, whatsoever a man soweth that also shall he reap.

Pro 10:5  He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Living on the farm we know first hand the work that summer requires from us. The long, hot days that bring about much weeds and obstacles for our plants. If we grow weary, if we put off those tasks that must be done it only leads to more trouble and shame! Life is hard! There are times we can do everything write and still our crop does not succeed. In those times, we remind ourselves that it is God who causes the garden to grow and who gives us our portion. He will provide! He has never failed to provide for His people!

These are just some example from the first five verses. Perhaps it has given you an idea of practical conversation you can bring up as you read the Word with your children.

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood