A Man of Substance

(Proverbs 8:21 KJV)  That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Here is another verse about “wealth” or as the KJV says “substance” (3426).  If this was in isolation it would follow the prosperity gospel, but the entire context is that wisdom is better than gold.  Our culture tends to be very materialistic.  We tend to look at everything in terms of what kind of physical prosperity it will produce.  Money in its many forms becomes the measure of everything.

Think about it.  Why do we encourage people to get an education?  Why do teachers take classes even after they are finished with those required?  How do companies like Rolex sell any products?  Think of the number of people who don’t have children because children are expensive and those that do, dump them in day care so that they can live at a certain economic level. 

God is trying to tell us that wisdom is more important than our social status or credit rating. 

So?  Resist the pressure to submit to the standards of modern America.  Seek after the wealth that will build character and prepare you to enter into eternity.  Keep in mind that in the New Jerusalem gold will be used to pave streets.