The Use and Abuse of Wealth

Proverbs 11:24-31; Luke 16:11-13

GOLDEN TEXT: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”—Matthew 6:20

GENEROSITY, unselfishness, the disposition to look beyond self-interest and feel the needs and provide for the welfare of others, is one of the grandest qualities of which intelligent beings are capable. This element of character has been constantly demonstrated in God’s dealings with members of the fallen race, and, in fact, in His provision for all creation. “Jehovah is righteous in all His ways, and holy [merciful or bountiful—margin] in all His works.” (Psa. 145:9,15-17) Jesus also uniformly illustrated this beautiful characteristic in His contact with man. He “went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed of the devil” (Acts 10:38), and testified of Himself that “the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister [serve], and to give His life a ransom for many.”—Matt. 20:28

Our lesson from the Book of Proverbs speaks not so much of self-sacrifice, but points out the privileges and responsibility of those who possess material wealth and the blessings which follow unselfish consideration for others and sharing one’s blessings with those less favorably placed. The failure of the world to act in accord with this lesson is largely responsible for the wreck of civilization. Unselfishness among men and among nations would go far to heal the ills and distress of the world.

There would still be sickness and death, from which only the Lord’s sacrifice and His resurrection power could free men, but much of the incidental misery could be relieved and the rich as well as the poor made happier if wealth were wisely and unselfishly used. It is interesting in this connection to note the Apostle James’ description of world conditions with respect to the rich and the poor, and the heavy responsibility upon those who are custodians of the elements of material well-being, of which, in God’s sight, they are as trustees. The apostle points out in this connection that as a class they have been unfaithful trustees, and indicates that their stewardship is to be taken from them in the great time of trouble with which the age will end—and which we now see in progress.

As a class, the Lord’s people are not possessors of great wealth, many of them being “the poor of this world.” But they, too, are to learn from these exhortations of the Proverbs, and be careful to use their possessions wisely, generously, realizing that the same principles can govern and demonstrate the character with only a little, as well as with much of this world’s goods. We are to be alert and watchful to see that we are so conducting our lives as to merit the commendation we hope for, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”—Matt. 25:21,23

One of the important lessons in this passage from Proverbs, is that anything well used increases, as we read in verses 24,25, “There is that scattereth and yet increaseth. … The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” How true this principle was in the life of our Lord Jesus, who “though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich.”

The apostle exhorts the brethren at Philippi, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who, … made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, … the likeness of men: And … humbled Himself [additionally], and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” But what a glorious result, and how it illustrates the great principle that “there is that scattereth and yet increaseth”: “Wherefore God … highly exalted Him … that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”—II Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:4-11

The portion of our lesson from the Gospel of Luke conveys the thought that the future responsibilities of administering true riches in the Kingdom will be given only to those who have used well and faithfully their present stewardship of earthly things. The conclusion in the thirteenth verse is that to be acceptable as a servant of God, to be successful as a steward of the “few things” He has committed to us, it is necessary that there be no division of loyalty and service between God and Mammon.

Doubtless many have stumbled over this point and have tried to devote a portion of their “talents” to the world and a portion to the Lord and the truth. But to be successful as a steward and in laying up treasure in heaven, we have been clearly shown by precept and example that it is essential that one be wholly devoted to the Lord and His cause. The only successful ones we know of—our Lord, the apostles and faithful saints we have known—have been possessed of but one idea, the service of God; and we may be certain that nothing less than that will enable us to be an overcomer, a member of the Bride class in glory.

QUESTIONS:

Is the possession of wealth, in itself, an evil?

How should a Christian use his means?

What is the best example we have in the Scriptures of one who was “rich” and used his riches properly?

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