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Day 241 Proverbs 22:8 Proverbs 22:8 He that sows iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. How many people do you know who sow crops of contention in their lives? They seem to know everything about everything and lord it over everybody with their knowledge. In so doing they have the biggest bank accounts, biggest homes, fastest cars, and move in elite circles. Eventually all their power and wealth will fail them and they will lose their lofty position. That is not to say that everyone with wealth is bad, only those who work for their own benefits and not the benefit of others. A good example of that is Jesus’ parable about the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: more over the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou would send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham said unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Wealth will never guarantee you happiness or eternal life. Especially when you mistreat people and treat others as lower than you. James also showed the difference between those who were well off and those who weren’t. James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? People who oppress others, will themselves be oppressed. Their authority will be taken from them and given to another. You should never look to those people as an example, but to those who are righteous before God. Not all wealthy people oppress others and not all poor people are righteous. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and you will always walk close to God. Let’s pray: Father, send your Holy Spirit to guide me to those who walk close to you, who live to benefit others and not themselves, who do not oppress others and think they are better than everyone else. Cast down those who walk in their own ways without regard to other people, and give us people of wisdom and discretion in everything they do. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 8 May 2017 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay