Proverbs 11 (Tim)
Proverbs 11:6 (NLT) "The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them."
This verse spoke volumes to me this week as I've been reading a great deal about the economic meltdown that is ensnaring the country these past 6 months. The short, short version: financial institutions tried to make more and more money off of riskier and risker "investments" assuming that the "impossible" couldn't happen. Their ambition blinded them to the reality on which they were literally betting. As their activities began collapsing on themselves, they have been caught in a self-fulfilling spiral (one piece of bad news causes another, which causes another, etc. etc.). Sounds like warning half of verse 6, eh?
Unfortunately, these seemingly abstract activities all the way "in New York City" are affecting people nationwide. Folks are losing their homes or their homes are being severely depressed in value. But are these folks innocent victims? I'm sure some are. However, there is much data indicating that folks used "sub-prime" loans to afford houses they normally couldn't afford and at inflated prices that the property wasn't really worth. The covetous nature of our society to "keep up with the Joneses" has entrapped folks during the past few years both directly (that is, impacting those living beyond their means) and as collateral damage (that is, the slumping economy causes job losses, etc.).
But those who are godly, that is (among many other things):
- those who take comfort in the Lord and not things,
- those who are satisfied with what they can and should afford through God's provisioning,
- those who understand the treacherous nature of money/greed and seek God's counsel on its use,
God's wisdom (and following it!) has positioned them to better weather the financial storm we are all experiencing.
And while this example focuses on finances, the benefits on God's wisdom extends to our entire lives. Abstinence, fairness, honesty, humility, just to name a few. Embracing these biblical traits positions our lives on higher ground to endure the attacks, trials, and tribulations that are thrust upon us by daily life and by evil forces trying (vainly) to defeat the Kingdom. Just like Jesus counseled us, in Luke 6:47-49/Matthew 7:24-27, when he spoke of building our lives on the solid rock of His teaching.
