Focus Groups

(Proverbs 28:11 KJV)  The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

Why is it that some poor people have a better grasp of what is important than some rich people?  That is the point of this verse in Proverbs.  What makes the difference?  I would say it is the focus of their lives.  This chapter is full of repeated comparisons between these two groups. 

The rich man has his focus on getting and keeping wealth.  That is considered to be the measure of value in his heart and mind.  It is only when the goal is achieved that the hollowness hits home.

The poor man is better off, not because he is poor, but because he “has understanding” (995).  Some poor people are just as blind as the rich.  They are fixated on wealth and frustrated.  Because they don’t have it, they can still assume it will bring satisfaction.  But poor people who have not been blinded by that grasp the true values of life. 

So?  What is your focus?  Are you still living under the assumption that more money will solve your problems?  My prayer is that you would get a perspective that helps you to understand what is really important.