Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 22:7 (day four)
We’ve all heard the famous mis-quote of Scripture, “Money is the root of all evil.” Money itself isn’t a bad thing – it’s really a neutral thing. It’s a necessary part of our society in order to trade services. It’s our own sin, our own pride and materialism and desire for power that turns money into something sour. Where people are, there is also sin. And sin in regard to money is nothing new, as this proverb indicates.
This sin impacts both parties in the exchange, it is present on both sides of the same coin (pun intended). If you’re in financial need, it’s easy to try to solve the problem yourself and make money your sole pursuit. This inevitably subjects you to the power of those with wealth. Solomon, even in all his wealth, recognizes that this is a terrible way to live.
But if you’re wealthy, or even just financially comfortable, this proverb speaks to you, too. This serves a warning about the sin that often accompanies financial abundance. How do you treat the people in your life that have less than you do? How do you treat the people who depend on you financially? Do you use your financial abundance to lift up others, or lift up yourself?