Blameless Walking
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 28
Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
Proverbs 28:6
Have you ever wanted to be rich? All of us, no doubt, have dreamed of what we might do with a million dollars. And the Bible tells us about many faithful believers in God who were wealthy—such as Abraham (Genesis 12:4-5; 14:14; 17:23).
Money is not a problem, but the love of money is a sure way to destruction (see Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:10). Our text today adds that if the way to wealth means selling out the integrity of our walk with God, it’s not worth it. Better to be poor and walk blamelessly with God than to be rich but wicked.
But isn’t wealth the way to security? In this same chapter, the author of Proverbs writes, “Those whose walk is blameless are kept safe, but those whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.” God protects all who walk with him, but he will punish the corrupt.
Do any of us really think that nothing matters more in life than our net worth? (See Jesus’ parable in Luke 12:13-21.) Our security isn’t found in our wealth, but in the one, true God. As we read later in this chapter from Proverbs: “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.” Walking in wisdom with your Lord is better even than riches.
Lord, help me to walk blamelessly with you. Keep me from the temptation to love money. Give me the wisdom to see it as a gift and a resource to serve you, to bring you honor and glory. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Adrian A. Helleman
Dr. Adrian Helleman served as a pastor in British Columbia before being called to serve as a missionary-teacher in the Philippines. He and his wife, Wendy, later taught philosophy at Moscow State University in Russia, and then philosophy and theology at the University of Jos in Nigeria. They have also lectured in Canada, the United States, South Africa, and Tanzania. They have three children and three grandchildren.
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