Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Proverbs 13:7

Adrian Rogers says, “The measure of a man is what that man thinks about money.”

The Bible does not condemn having money, nor does it put a premium on poverty. But there are many Believers who do not understand the meaning of true riches.

Proverbs 13:7 says, “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing…” This passage first reveals the poverty of the godless rich. There are several ways for a man to be wealthy in the eyes of the world yet have a poverty-stricken spirit.

A man is poor, no matter how much he has, when he seeks satisfaction in his money.

Our lives are not a sum of our possessions; when we act as if they are, we’ll be empty.

A man is also poor when his money increases his trouble.

There comes a point when all that we think we need is actually a burden rather than a blessing.

A man is poor when the goal of his life is making money.

This consuming drive will control his character and distort his values.

A man is also poor when he has no treasure in Heaven.

We will not bring our earthly riches with us into Heaven. Anything of real value is of lasting value; the more we give of it, the more we have of it.

Finally, a man is poor when he doesn’t have Jesus in his heart.

We cannot buy our way into Heaven. Our earthly riches will do us no good on Judgment Day; we cannot bribe the Judge.

Proverbs 13:7 also describes the prosperity of the godly poor: “...and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”

Money is not evil, but it does not equate to godliness.

A man is truly rich, no matter how little he has, when he is content with what he has been given.

He has spiritual riches: being right with God, having hope, purpose, and peace in life. He has secure riches: the inheritance reserved for him in Heaven cannot be destroyed. He has a godly legacy to leave behind. Finally, he has satisfying riches, for his riches are found in the Lord.

Apply it to your life

Do you have true riches that are spiritual, secure, and satisfying?

True Riches