In our lesson, I want to just share with you “8 points” I learned from the Proverbs about our FINANCES... Though part of the Old Covenant, the PROVERBS provide us with great information about how to live wisely. (See - Romans 15:4). Tough ECONOMIC times make us think about our finances and our prosperity, or lack thereof. Lessons From The Proverbs

Don’t Put Your TRUST IN MATERIAL Prosperity.

 In tough times it is easy to think money will fix all problems. Don’t believe it!  We need to seek first God’s righteousness. He’ll take care of us. (See - Matthew 6:33)  Money is merely a tool. We need to make sure we keep it as a tool and not let it become our god. (See I Timothy 6:10)

Don’t Let Our PLEASURES Govern Our Purchases.

 It is not wrong to enjoy pleasure if God has blessed us to afford them.  However, if we pursue pleasures that we can’t afford, all awaits us is the poorhouse.  We may last for a while, floating along on our credit. But, eventually, our lack of self-control will catch up with us. (See - Galatians 6:7)

Learn to Have a Good WORK ETHIC.

Learn to Have a Good WORK ETHIC.  The New Testament says that “…If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” - (II Thessalonians 3:10).  We do need to understand finances come from work!  Relying on God doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means using the ability God has given us to work and provide for our family as best we can. (see– I Timothy 5:8).

HONOR the Lord with the FIRSTFRUITS.

 As we prepare our budgets, the very first item we need to consider is the Lord’s work. (See - I Corinthians 16:1-2)  Our giving to the Lord should not be something we have to do, but something that we want to do – (see II Corinthians 9:7)  We need to offer to His work the firstfruits, not the leftovers!

Be GENEROUS and GIVE.

Be GENEROUS and GIVE.  When we view God’s blessings as a means to bless others, God will bless us further. - (Proverbs 19:17)  But, in difficult times, we think we need to hold on to as much as we can in case something goes wrong.  When we trust God, use our resources as God expects, God will take care of us! – (Haggai 2:8).

Learn to be RESPONSIBLE.

 Many of our emergencies come simply because we did not put anything back for later.  After we’ve honored the Lord with our firstfruits and shared with others, before we buy our present goods, we need to put some in storehouse.  If we eat up all our income before the week is out, we are going to be in trouble. Learn to be RESPONSIBLE.

Don’t Bury Yourself in DEBT.

Don’t Bury Yourself in DEBT.  No! I can’t prove that debt is sinful. But to be buried in debt is unwise. It puts us in slavery!  It has been said that the average household “CREDIT CARD” debt is $  We must learn to live on less than we make! Only buy what we can afford. Quit digging a hole. - (I Timothy 6:8).

Know Your Own BUSINESS.

Know Your Own BUSINESS.  We need to know what is the condition of our business, our job, our finances.  Need to keep our check- books balanced. Know where our money is and where it’s going.  If we are consistent, then we can plan. What God has blessed us with will take care of us even in tough times.

Lessons From The Proverbs A content life does not depend upon the wealth that one can accumulate but faith in God, - (Luke 12:15-21). Each of us battle with a world that wants us to buy into the philosophy that money is the answer to the problems of life, - (I Timothy 6:10). Let us use what God has entrusted us with to His glory! Knowing that each of us will give account of ourselves to God, - (II Corinthians 5:10).

Financial Wisdom Lessons From The Proverbs 1.____________________________________________________________, Proverbs 11:28. Notes: 2. _____________________________________________________________, Proverbs 21:17. Notes: 3. ____________________________________________________________, Proverbs 6:6-11. Notes: 4. ____________________________________________________________, Proverbs 3:9-10. Notes: 5. __________________________________________________________, Proverbs 11: Notes: 6. _____________________________________________________________, Proverbs 21:20. Notes: 7. _______________________________________________________________, Proverbs 22:7 Notes 8. __________________________________________________________, Proverbs 27: Notes: