Pray for wisdom when it comes to wealth
O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die.
First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. PROVERBS 30:7-9 NLT
- Pray over what you earn
- Pray over what you spend
- Pray over what you give
The wise person Values integrity over wealth
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. PROVERBS 28:6 ESV
Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. PROVERBS 11:4 NLT
The wise person Works hard while they can
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. PROVERBS 13:4 NLT
Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. PROVERBS 21:25 NLT
Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors. PROVERBS 26:16 NLT
- Find your limit in your twenties
- Live within those limits in your thirties
- Thrive in your forties
- Guide others in your fifties and sixties
- Celebrate and encourage in your seventies and eighties
The wise person anticipates tough times
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. PROVERBS 27:12 NLT
The wise person plans for the future
The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. PROVERBS 21:20 TLB
The wise person learns from their mistakes
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. PROVERBS 26:11 NLT
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. PROVERBS 12:15 ESV
The wise person is willing to grow wealth over time
The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. PROVERBS 28:20 NLT
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. PROVERBS 13:11 ESV
The best wealth to leave to your children is the wisdom to earn their own.
The wise person honors God with what they have
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; PROVERBS 3:9 ESV
One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. PROVERBS 13:7 ESV
- Give consistently
- Give generously
- Give to God whenever he gives to you
The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. PROVERBS 10:22 ESV
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Take a few moments to slow down, laying any burdens from the day at the feet of Jesus. Invite God into this time, asking him to help you be more real with yourself and him during this time. Are you known as a person of integrity? What might you need to do differently to live with more integrity? As you consider this, has there been a time when you were tempted to be dishonest in order to gain favor or wealth? How did you handle that situation? Ask God to reveal anything about you that he wants to reveal, whether a growth area or a “well done.” Finally, ask him to reveal any blessings you might be missing out on because you aren’t trusting him completely. Ask God for the faithful courage to trust him more; write down your prayers and reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.
Discussion Questions
- PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine your own integrity and trust in God for your finances. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
- REAL WITH SELF: In what phase of life are you: 20's (push it to the wall); 30's (learning from your 20's); 40's (thriving); 50's & 60's (wisdom & coaching); 70's+ (encouraging)? What do you need to do to live into your decade?
- REAL WITH GOD: Read Proverbs 28:6 ESV. Is there any area in your life where you are trying to outrun God? What needs to change so you can grow in integrity?
- REAL WITH GOD: What keeps you from asking God to bless your income and to give you wisdom in how you use it?
- REAL WITH OTHERS: How has being diligent helped you to gain a fulfilling life? What counsel would you give to others to help them develop better work attitudes and habits?
- TAKE ACTION: Close your group time by praying over what you earn; ask God to bless your paycheck; pray over what you spend; pray over what you give. If you are married, pray with your spouse; if not, pray individually.
