Page 114 - The Prosperous Way _ (APRIL 2024 v3)

THE PROSPEROUS WAY

This is not God’s “more than enough,” this is not God’s prosperity, and
this is not how God wants us to live.

Practical measures to budget, save and pay down debt are in the next
chapter as well as some thoughts on why most of us find ourselves
unable to save. But again, our focus, for now, is on the Scriptures that
teach us the wisdom of saving to reach our goals.

 He who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
(Proverbs 13:11)

 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a
foolish man devours all he has . (Proverbs 21:20)

PUT YOUR MONEY OUT TO WORK

Making your money grow means putting your money to work. The first
step is to gain understanding of what it means to invest and what are
the different investment options. Do your part by spending some time
educating yourself on the basics of the financial markets, reading articles
and books and maybe even taking a beginner’s course. Also seek out
expert advice, perhaps from your bank or an investment advisor within
your circle of friends and acquaintances. Ask questions until you
understand clearly what you are being told. Then consider your options
and invest your savings as wisely as you know how.

The virtuous wife in Proverbs 31 made this kind of careful consideration
when the time came to decide how to invest the proceeds of her
business: We are told “She considers a field and buys it. From her
earnings she plants a vineyard” (Proverbs 31:16). The Hebrew word
translated ‘considers’ in this passage literally means to ‘plan, imagine,
plot, devise, think, and purpose.’ In the same way, we must give serious
thought to where and how we will invest our savings.

As mentioned, it is important to seek advice from experts when
investing. But once invested, do not neglect your investment but keep a
watchful eye on how it is performing. Just as you seek advice on how to
invest it, it is good to also seek help on whether to move it if and when
necessary. Let this passage of Scripture motivate you and guide you to
steward your resources well: “For riches do not endure forever , and a

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