The Godly Gazette

Wisdom Precedes Wealth

1 Kings 3:5 - At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." NIV

King Solomon said in... 1 Kings 3:9 - "...give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong." NIV

1 Kings 3:10/13 - The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings." NIV

When God allowed Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom. God was so pleased with this that He made him the wisest person who ever lived (aside from Jesus), and God also made him the richest person. Through Solomoms wisdom, he portrays to us certain principles that we need to be aware of in dealing with our finances:

The number one principal that needs no explanation: Wisdom Always Precedes Wealth.

The book of Proverbs has several hundred verses that deal with money. Each of them fall into one of seven categories. Proverbs 9:1 says, "Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars."

When the seven pillars of godly wisdom are in place in your life, they provide support for your financial success. If even one of them is weak or missing, you will have trouble with money.

The Seven Pillars...

1) Honor God with your money.

2) Be diligent and have a good work ethic.

3) Be careful of debt, and don’t co-sign.

4) Be generous; give to the poor.

5) Seek counsel from those who have proven their wisdom.

6) Be financially faithful and avoid get-rich-quick schemes.

7) Walk in honesty and integrity.

Honor and Diligence

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