Thought for the Day

Verse 1 - This verse places great value on integrity. If a rich man has no integrity, his wealth will be in vain. Many wealthy men live in shame when their tactics for obtaining wealth are exposed. Because they gained it by under-handed means, they lost their reputations. And some end up serving jail time for their crimes. Though for years it might have looked as if they were respectable citizens, their sin eventually found them out (Numbers 32:23).

It is better to be poor and store up riches for eternity, than to be a rich fool. The poor man who walks in godly integrity and follows the Bible's principles for prosperity will, in time, be blessed with an abundance that he can use to bless others and pass on to his children's children. We shall all reap what we have sown; good things if we are honest and follow God's ways; evil things if we are dishonest (Galatians 6:7-9).

Verse 2 - The simple fact that we want something does not mean that it would be good for us to have it. If we do not have proper knowledge about what we desire, it may hurt us. Being over-hasty to obtain something may cause regret once we receive it. Years ago, I knew a woman and her husband who were traveling evangelists. She told me that she was tired of staying in people's homes and motels, so she had started praying for an RV. When she did not receive one right away, she became more insistent in her prayers. Rather than considering that God might be answering with a "no," she assumed the devil was robbing her of her desire. Finally, they bought an RV on monthly payments. What she thought would be a blessing, however, turned out to be a curse for them both. Since travel takes longer in an RV, they were more exhausted than before. It was also harder to find parking places. Since the money that they would have used to eat in restaurants was spent on monthly payments, she had to shop, prepare meals, and wash dishes, in addition to ministering at each place they went. The RV led to more work for her, instead of less work.

This is an example of desire without knowledge. "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul" (Psalm 106:15). Major decisions should not be made quickly. It is easier to avoid getting into a bad situation, than to get out of one. It can take years to a correct a mistake that we made in haste. Taking the time to ask God for wisdom, gathering information, and prayerfully thinking things through can save much suffering. It is better to go too slow than to go too fast. If we are moving slow, at the least the Lord is still ahead of us; however, if we go too fast we can get ahead of God.