Reading your Bible for Today May 8

May 8: Proverbs 22:1-2

KJV Key Verse: Proverbs 22:1
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 

Devotion:
If you were to listen to the businessmen of this world, they would be persuading you about all the work you have to do in order to achieve great wealth so that you will be happy. Unfortunately, what they do not tell you is how it is not the wealth which makes them happy. King Solomon was arguably the richest man on earth and yet he describes wealth as folly! His considered opinion on many of the things which people still strive for was folly! Why do we not listen to Him? It is the old adage that if enough people say that it is ok, then it must be – so we strive on for the things people have persuaded us to do or aim for.

When will we seek out the truth and what the truth stands for? Jesus Christ gave us the example, and yet because it is not plastered all over the walls, we ignore His example and go with the crowd. Oh, when will we learn the folly of chasing after earthly riches. How much happiness can we bring to people with earthly riches? Well, quite a bit really, but those riches will come to an end if we continue to use them. After that we will be left by ourselves once again. If we then do not have the right things to give back to others, they will no longer think much of us! If, though, we start out by giving from the heart rather than from our wallet, people will respect us for what we are doing.

Giving from the heart means we are more likely to continue giving in like manner way beyond the point where earthly riches give out. Giving from the heart shows we care deeply about the others circumstances rather than just their current plight.  If people continue to see we are willing to give real help, then they will be more willing to believe the things we can tell them about God. When out time on earth runs out, we will be standing side by side with the greatest and richest and none of our earthly wealth will count for or against us. God will be looking deep inside our hearts!

Points to Ponder:
Is money is one of those temptations that will only go away after we have tried it?

Christ can give you so much more than money if only you let Him!