Today as we read Proverbs 22, it made me think about one of John Wesley’s sermons, “On the Use of Money.” If you’d like to, you can read this sermon here.

Wesley has much to say that is based on the teachings of Proverbs. Money can be used for great good, but we must be careful with it, or else it may grab hold of us. We are to earn all we can, save all we can, and give all we can. We earn and save so that we can give. That is why we have the resources and the gifts that we do so that we can give and be a blessing to others.

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Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you as we gather around the Word, continuing our journey through Proverbs. We’re approaching the end, currently on chapter 22, with about nine more chapters to explore in the coming days of December. As we delve into Proverbs 22 today, the theme of financial wisdom caught my attention.

Proverbs consistently emphasizes the importance of being teachable, seeking wisdom, and displaying prudence in various aspects of life. However, a recurring subject that stands out is money. Proverbs offers valuable insights on finances, advocating for caution with debt, encouraging generosity, and emphasizing the equality of rich and poor before the Lord.

Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender,” urging us to be mindful of indebtedness. Yet, it also emphasizes that both rich and poor share a common maker—God. The call to generosity is clear in verse 9: “Those who are generous will be blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.”

Reflecting on these financial principles, I’m reminded of the teachings of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Wesley advocated earning, saving, and giving as a holistic approach to money. His emphasis on earning through honest work, saving to avoid debt, and giving generously aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs.

Wesley’s profound commitment to assisting the poor and creating a sense of financial responsibility within the Methodist community had a lasting impact. His threefold approach—earn, save, and give—encourages us to use our resources wisely, always with a focus on helping others.

Proverbs also warns against oppressing the poor and enriching oneself at their expense. Verse 16 cautions that such actions lead to loss. This aligns with Wesley’s belief that blessings, both material and spiritual, should be used to benefit others.

The beauty of Proverbs’ financial wisdom lies in its ability to disentangle us from the material world. By earning, saving, and giving, we avoid becoming ensnared by the love of money, fostering gratitude for God’s gifts and acknowledging that all we possess ultimately comes from Him.

As we contemplate our financial choices this week, let’s keep Proverbs’ teachings in mind. May we use our resources to benefit others, avoid entanglement in worldly wealth, and point towards the goodness of God with all that we have. Proverbs has much to offer, and I hope we can heed its timeless advice.

Thank you for joining us today. Tomorrow, we’ll continue our journey with chapter 23. Have a wonderful day, and see you in the morning!