Proverbs 11 - Responsibility of Wealth

11:4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death

In our day and age it seems like wealth is protection against everything. It can buy you the things you need or want, you an isolate yourself from most of the troubles in the world, whether they be financial, relational, or physical. You an hire body guards, publicists, lawyers, you can even own your an island and set your own rules. But none of this will protect you from God in the day of His wrath, when every one will see his triumphant return and the sheep will be separated from the goats. Mountains will be laid bare, oceans will boil, and the skies will darken then explode. In many ways, riches create a false sense of security. Those who depend on their riches are typically ruined by them.

11:16 A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 18 The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. 19 As righteousness ads to life

The greedy, ruthless, rich man will see their rewards on this earth and only for a short time. Riches are not evil. It is the heart and attitude of the rich that are often corrupted by the power and greediness that comes along with wealth. Have you ever know a righteous rich man? I have. Look around for some. They exist and they give away most of their wealth, yet God continues to increase it. I also know many wicked rich. They are to most vile and worthless people I ever had the displeasure of knowing. They hoard, they're gluttons, they are arrogant, and they think they own everyone. God will eventually level the playing field and the righteous will have their rewards in heaven. Can you imagine what those rewards will be like. Think of the best things you could ever have on earth and then think beyond that. My desire in life would be to go back to my high school years and redo life. I could be the scratch golfer I used to be, I could pursue a professional baseball career, etc. Do you think there is golf and baseball in heaven? There better be or I am not sure I want to go!

11:24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

Funny how it all ties together. The rich who give it away will gain even more. The rich who hoard will be brought to poverty.