How Can I Achieve Financial Security?

Financial security?  One of the great deceptions of wealth is its false sense of security. If the stock market crashes, millionaires can become paupers in one day.  Also, there will come a time when we have to account for our lives before God; on that day our money will be utterly useless (v. 4).  A person whose hope is in riches is headed for a fall (v. 28).  Only trust in God offers true security.

Yet the book of Proverbs offers principles that apply to our finances. First, we should recognize that whatever we have is not ours and is the result of God’s blessing.

That means we should hold our money with an open hand and give generously. God expects us to honor him with our wealth, returning to him a portion of our firstfruits by giving to his work on a planned, consistent and priority basis (3:9).

Second, we should work hard, earning our money honestly and spending it frugally. God hates dishonest business practices while he delights in those who conduct their financial affairs with integrity and honesty (v. 1).  Third, we should save in the good times for the times of need – retirement, unemployment, college or any time when our income might be reduced.  He who gathers money little by little makes it grow (13:11). The Quest Study Bible, New International Version (NIV), Copyright 1994 by The Zondervan Corporation, Proverbs 11:25-28.