Month: April 2014

Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it. Proverbs 13:11 HCSB

Bernard Lawrence, “Bernie” Madoff is an American former stockbroker, investment advisor, and financier who was convicted of fraud. He is the former non-executive chairman of the NASDAQ stock market and the admitted operator of a Ponzi scheme that is considered to be the largest financial fraud in U.S. History. In 2009 he pleaded guilty to the charges of defrauding thousands of investors and is now serving 150 years in prison. He also had to give up over 17 billion dollars.

Gaining wealth by fraud and dishonesty will never last. Eventually the truth comes out and the person loses everything. Those who work hard and are good stewards of the resources God provides will find success and happiness. Do not compromise your integrity for the purpose of making a gain at the expense of others. Compromising your integrity is like a snowball going down a hill; one lie only leads to another lie which then leads to even more lies.

Challenge: God’s Word challenges us to work hard and earn our money honestly. A lack of integrity in any area of life is disappointing to God. Use godly principles in all of your business transactions. Be truthful and always do what is right. Treat others as you would want them to treat you and value people more than money.

A faithful man will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20 HCSB

Many people search for ways to get-rich-quick. Some purchase lottery tickets and aspire to win millions. Others invest in questionable companies hoping to make dividends. Others are even willing to participate in illegal activities in order to gain wealth. The implication is that these individuals want something for nothing. They are not willing to work diligently to earn the money they desire.

This proverb reminds us that get-rich-quick schemes are not the way to accomplish wealth. Instead, one should be faithful to his job, willing to work hard, and be a good steward of the resources God provides. Those who seek to get-rich-quick will ultimately find emptiness whereas those who work hard and are faithful to the task will discover fulfillment and happiness.

Challenge: Do not get involved in get-rich-quick schemes that often involve unethical and devious shortcuts. Be faithful to your job, always give more than what is expected, and use your resources to help others and glorify God. Thank God for your job and the ability to work.