True Wealth

Proverbs 10:22 (KJV) The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Verses like this are easy to misinterpret.  We take them literally when it’s more of a principle or figurative language.  We know this because God has a special place in His heart for the poor, and we know that being rich can drag people into decisions that destroy them.  We know people who live righteous lives who are not rich.  At least that’s true in terms of money.  Here’s where the CSB seems to give us a valuable insight.

Proverbs 10:22 (CSB) The LORD's blessing enriches, and he adds no painful effort to it.

I like this word enriches, because it opens up the vast range of ways in which God makes life better for His people.  This leaves the gate open for people living very close to poverty level.  It points out that the joy of life is not in how shiny your car is but is the people that you carry in it.

So?  Be careful when you listen to the prosperity folks.  They have such a limited understanding of what the riches of God are.  God is not always in your bank balance.  One reason is that when our bank balance gets padded, our sensitivity to God becomes calloused.