Insights into Stewardship

Neither Poverty Nor Riches

“Do not give me poverty or riches.…”

Proverbs 30:8

Most of us can safely consider ourselves a part of the middle class. Okay, maybe some of us struggle sometimes to make ends meet. Still, we all have material blessings that fiction writers of other eras could not imagine (exhibit A: access to a smartphone; exhibit B: our transportation system; et cetera). Few of us consider ourselves wealthy, but the dear Lord does take care of us well.

Now, if we are a part of the middle class, we are blessed. So says the inspired oracle of Agur son of Jakeh (no, I’m not kidding: check it out in Proverbs 30:8-9). He prays: “Do not give me poverty or riches.” He later observes: “Too much, and I may feel satisfied and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Too little and I may become poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”

Isn’t that so true?! Doesn’t that help you cope with the occasional financial hiccup? It keeps you close to Christ! On the other hand, don’t you rejoice that you have your daily bread? It makes you grateful for Jesus! And of course, spiritually speaking, our dear Savior has more than provided for you. He has taken away the poverty of your transgressions and gushed down upon you the riches of his righteousness.

How about you bring some generous gifts to him? It may keep you from becoming too wealthy!—or poverty stricken, for that matter….