The Vanity of the Pursuit of Money (Part 2)

Posted on September 16, 2024

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The Vanity of the Pursuit of Money (Part 2)

Proverbs 30, an embodiment of prophetic words attributed to Agur (which means gather the harvest) the son of Jakeh (which means blameless) were spoken to his proteges, Ithiel (means God is with me or God has arrived) and Ukal (which means I am able or I am strong and mighty), has content that demands a close consideration. The translators of The Passion Translation version suggest that put together, the meaning of these Hebrew names could read “Gather a harvest of sons who are blameless and obedient. They will have God with them and they will be strong and mighty.”

Relevant to our subject matter are verses 7-9

And then he prayed, “God, I’m asking for two things before I die; don’t refuse me—Banish lies from my lips and liars from my presence. Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor too little. If I’m too full, I might get independent, saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’ If I’m poor, I might steal and dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:7-9 MSG

These prophetic utterances form the bedrock of three parables of the Lord written in the book of Luke.

1. Remember Luke 12:15-21, a forewarning to the proponents of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) investment doctrine.

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15 NKJV

Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15 NLT

Having money to buy things is a blessing as long as you do not lose sight of the things that money cannot buy, such things as your health and your relationships. Such things are not for sale. Most important is the realisation of your responsibility and indebtedness to the God of heaven who caused your investment to fruit.

2. Neither fall into the LG (Life Is Good) cliche spoken to in Luke 16:19-31, where you are lured into self-destruction believing that life ends here on earth, living for yourself without regard for the poor nor to the God of heaven who will hold you accountable. O beloved, what is your disposition towards the poor around you!

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD. Jeremiah 22:16

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:13

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. Proverbs 28:27

3. Nor be an idolater in the mould of the young rich ruler (Luke 18:18-24)! The god in his life who he thought defined his worth in the eyes of others, blinded him to the fountain of life Himself.

Verse 24 points to the degree of difficulty, self-restraint and breaking of self for the rich man to take on what Proverbs 13:9b speaks to. Indeed wise is the one who understands that what you are is more crucial than what you have.

Herein lies the significance of the prophetic utterances of Agur, the son of Jakeh. Where is the limit in such a time as this? Will you take heed? Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele

1 thoughts on “The Vanity of the Pursuit of Money (Part 2)

  • Dingwo Christie

    “Indeed wise is the one who understands that what you are is more crucial than what you have”. Hmm! This statement caught my attention and I realize that I need to reset my priorities if I want to give God pleasure.

    God bless you richly Daddy for this meat in due season.

    Reply

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