Much Treasure

For Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Proverbs 15:6

In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.

There may very well be financial wealth in the righteous, because he will be prudent with his money, will not spend it foolishly, and will put savings aside. He will also use his money righteously, tithing ten percent or more, being generous to the poor, not defrauding others, and so receiving blessing from God and from his neighbor.

The wicked, on the other hand, will spend foolishly, make reckless investments, and think only of today. They will try to take advantage of others, thus incurring the anger of God and neighbors, many of whom will try to achieve retribution.

The true treasure of the righteous in Christ is the inheritance of Christ - the riches of his glory, the "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [them]" (1 Peter 1:4). This is wealth beyond all earthly wealth, for it is eternal and to be eternally enjoyed without fear, without the presence of sin, and in the presence of God. Trouble befalls the wicked, who at best can only enjoy earthly wealth. Then it vanishes when their bodies return to the dust, and it only increases their torment when they rise to the final judgment.

As Paul prayed for the Ephesians, so I pray for you this morning: "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe..." (Ephesians 1:17-19).