Better a little with righteousness than much income without justice. Proverbs 16:8, TLV

Live “Large” or “Little”?   Wealth doesn’t just happen in a vacuum. Even if someone wins the lottery or inherits money, it doesn’t mean they automatically become good stewards of that wealth.

Did you know at least 30% of lottery winners are bankrupt? In some states the percentage is as high as seventy.

As we discussed before, the precepts for wisdom and stewardship are the same for the rich or poor. Having wealth doesn’t automatically move us into a “better” position in the Body of Messiah or to most wise.

In reality, it’s more difficult for someone of means to adhere to Godly stewardship — to choose Godly principles over their own words and desires. Remember what Jesus said about the camel and needle (Matthew 19:24)

Then Yeshua said to His disciples, “Amen, I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:23-24, TLV)

Living “large” has large responsibilities.

Today’s proverb isn’t promoting living “little” — I mean, look at who’s writing this chapter, the wealthiest man in the world. In fact, in the following (verses 10-15) King Solomon counsels kings and leaders of their great responsibilities. He explains how Godly stewardship is part of our job as leaders of countries, cities, and homes. And the greatest attribute is justice.

I know what it is to live with humble means, and I know what it is to live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment—both to be filled and to go hungry, to have abundance and to suffer need. I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13, TLV

In all things, we can choose to live in righteousness whatever our financial situation — to live righteously in prosperity or humble means. Wherever we are, it’s in our gratitude and contentment that we find the path to wisdom. From that foundation we are better able to see the needs of others.

May we choose righteousness and justice, my friends.