In this sixth part of our journey through the book of Proverbs, we turn to a topic that affects every one of us in deeply personal and practical ways: money. Scripture speaks often and candidly about wealth—not with shame or sentimentality, but with wisdom. And Proverbs offers one of the richest collections of insights on how we are to view, use, and guard against the dangers of money.

Let me say at the outset: wisdom is often unevenly distributed. Some may be wise in relationships and foolish with finances; others may excel in planning but struggle with generosity. I freely confess that money is one area where I have had to relearn lessons more than once. But Proverbs, with its rich and balanced counsel, helps guide us back to solid ground. Tonight, we’ll explore the value of money, its limitations, its dangers, and the biblical principles for how we are to handle wealth.

The Folly of Making Money Your Life’s Goal

Let’s begin with an honest premise: money is not evil but making it your ultimate goal is spiritual foolishness. The oft-misquoted verse in 1 Timothy 6:10 doesn’t say money is the root of all evil; rather, it says, “The love of money is a root of all sorts of evil.” The deeper root, as always, is pride—the elevation of self over God. When money becomes our idol, it leads to spiritual adultery, where we seek security and significance from creation rather than the Creator.

Proverbs warns against this mistake over and over. In 15:16–17 we read, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and turmoil with it. Better is a dish of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox with hatred.” The message is clear: material abundance means nothing if your relationships are broken and your spirit is in turmoil.

Wealth has its place, but it cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. It cannot buy peace, love, joy, or a sense of eternal purpose. These only come from God. If our goal is the pursuit of money, we are chasing a shadow.

The Limitations and Fleeting Nature of Wealth

Money is not only inadequate as a source of meaning; it is also fleeting. Proverbs 23:4–5 warns us: “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth…when you set your eyes on it, it is gone.” Money is like a bird that takes flight—here one moment, gone the next. The imagery is vivid: wealth grows wings and flies away. No amount of striving can guarantee security.

Jesus emphasized the same in Luke 16:11–12, teaching that we are stewards, not owners, of earthly wealth. What we have is on loan. And as we know, none of us takes it with us when we die. Proverbs 28:6 adds, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich.” Integrity lasts; wealth does not.

The Spiritual Dangers of Wealth

Beyond its limitations, wealth carries significant dangers. It has the power to draw our trust away from God and toward ourselves. The more we accumulate, the easier it is to become self-reliant—and spiritually complacent. Proverbs 30:8–9 gives us the wise prayer of Agur: “Give me neither poverty nor riches…lest I be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.” That’s a bold and balanced prayer—one that admits our vulnerability on both ends of the economic spectrum.

Riches can create the illusion of control, but they cannot guarantee peace. True spiritual maturity is marked by contentment, regardless of income. As 1 Corinthians 4:7 asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?” All is from God, and all is to be used for His purposes.

The True Purpose and Value of Wealth

Despite these warnings, Proverbs does not condemn wealth itself. Rather, it teaches us how to handle it wisely and righteously. Proverbs 10:22 says, “It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” God can and does bless some with material abundance—but never as a reward for faith alone, and never as an end in itself.

We must guard against the prosperity gospel’s claim that faith always leads to wealth. If that were true, we’d have to question the faith of Paul, the apostles, or Christ Himself. No, we come to Christ for forgiveness and life—not for financial gain. Anything else is a by-product, not a promise.

Still, Proverbs recognizes that wealth, rightly acquired and rightly used, has genuine value. It can ease life’s burdens, protect against calamity (10:15), and help meet the needs of others. But it must never become our source of identity or hope.

Principles for Acquiring and Using Wealth

Proverbs outlines several character-based principles for how we are to acquire and use money:

1. Wealth should come through righteousness, not wrongdoing.
   Proverbs 10:2 says, “Ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.” Integrity must guide every transaction. “Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet…but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel” (20:17). Deception may bring short-term gain, but long-term bitterness.
2. Wealth should come through diligence, not laziness.
   Proverbs is clear: “The hand of the diligent makes rich” (10:4). “Do not love sleep lest you become poor” (20:13). Laziness is depicted as both humorous and tragic—a sluggard so inert he can’t lift his hand to his mouth. God calls us to work with purpose and perseverance, trusting Him for the fruit.
3. Wealth should lead to generosity, not hoarding.
   Generosity is a mark of wisdom. “There is one who scatters yet increases all the more…The generous man will be prosperous” (11:24–25). Giving reflects dependence on God, not ourselves. “Honor the Lord from your wealth” (3:9), and “He who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord” (19:17). We’re stewards, not owners—and stewardship includes open hands and soft hearts.
4. Wealth should not be used for reckless speculation.
   Proverbs repeatedly warns against guaranteeing the debts of others or chasing easy money. “He who puts up security for another will surely suffer” (11:15). Gambling, shortcuts, and get-rich-quick schemes are foolish. “Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it” (13:11). Faithful, steady diligence is God’s way.
5. Wealth should be used in order, with God first.
   Here is a practical priority system:

1. Give to God’s work—first and foremost.
2. Pay what is owed to workers.
3. Be generous to the poor.
4. Invest in tools or education that strengthen your stewardship.
5. Save to prepare for calamity.
6. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in moderation.

Reversing this order leads to bondage. Credit cards promise immediate satisfaction and delayed consequence, but they invert God’s wisdom. In contrast, godly financial management reflects faith, freedom, and foresight.

Conclusion

The wisdom of Proverbs on money is not about formulas or legalism. It’s about cultivating the kind of character that handles wealth with integrity, humility, and generosity. God may entrust some of us with more than others—but the standard remains the same: faithfulness.

Let us not forget: “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf” (11:28). And that flourishing begins when we see money not as an end, but as a tool—used in service of the One who gave us everything.

To explore Proverbs more deeply and discover how to thoughtfully answer the questions below, subscribe to Ken Boa Reflections on Substack.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways have you allowed money or material possessions to take the place of God in your life? Proverbs warns that making wealth your ultimate pursuit is a form of idolatry. How might this subtle shift have happened in your heart?
2. How would your life look different if you pursued integrity more than income? Reflect on Proverbs 16:8: “Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.” Is your character leading your choices?
3. Are you practicing generosity as an act of faith or withholding out of fear? Proverbs 11:24 reminds us that the one who scatters may increase all the more. What would it look like for you to give in a way that demonstrates your dependence on God?
4. Is your current use of money aligned with eternal priorities or short-term appetites? Credit-driven culture urges us to satisfy ourselves now. In what areas might you need to reorder your financial habits to reflect wisdom from above?