* PARABLE OF THE SHREWD MANAGER

Jesus tells his disciples (showing that what He is saying pertains to believers) a parable about a rich man that accuses his manager of wasting his possessions. The manager decides to decrease the bills of his master’s debtors so that when he loses his job he will be welcomed into their homes. The master commends the dishonest manager because he acted shrewdly. Jesus, in telling this parable, is not condoning dishonesty. In fact He says: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches….You cannot serve both God and Money.” Luke 16:11-13 God will not give us the true riches of heaven if we choose not to use our worldly possessions for His glory.

What are the true riches of heaven?  One aspect of our true riches in heaven is the people that are in heaven in part because of the influence we had in their lives. Jesus told the parable of Luke 16:1-13 to show that we, as Christians, need to use worldly wealth to gain: “…friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9

Paul tells the Thessalonians: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and our joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20. Every little thing that we do for Jesus will make a difference in the number of people that go to heaven. For instance, we might say or do some little thing to encourage a fellow believer and, he, because of that might encourage someone else who just needs that push in order to feel good enough about himself to tell someone about Jesus.

To the Corinthians Paul writes: “…And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus…” 2 Corinthians 1:13-14 The way we relate to everyone with whom we come in contact will determine the true riches we receive in heaven.

Another aspect of the true riches we will receive in heaven is the responsibility of reigning with Jesus and the joy it will bring. Jesus told a parable (Matthew 25:14-30) about three servants who were put in charge of their master’s money while he was gone. When he returned, he said to the two who had used his money wisely: “… ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:21, 23 Jesus told this parable to show us how we will be judged and how we will be rewarded. We will be put “in charge of many things” and we will share our “master’s happiness.”

Paul told Timothy: “if we endure, we will also reign with him…” 2 Timothy 2:12 He also let the Corinthians know some of what we will be doing in heaven. “Do you not know that we will judge angels…” 1 Corinthians 6:3

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 Paul’s whole life was a striving to win this prize in heaven: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 We will win riches, a prize or a crown that will last forever. In order to win this prize, we must expect to sacrifice. This will be easier with the right attitude: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 We can obtain the true riches of heaven by giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

Using our money in a way that is pleasing to God is one way to lay up treasure in heaven. By studying and applying the Scriptures we can be sure that we are earning, spending and giving our money in a way pleasing to God: “…he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 Telling others about Jesus and living in such a way that others will come to know Him is wise.

* WISDOM BETTER THAN MONEY

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to chose understanding rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16
"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 3:13-15  
"…and nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 8:11
God doesn’t need money, but He uses it. God uses money to test our obedience and to give us wisdom. Money is just one of the means God uses to give us wisdom.

Wisdom is everything that comes from God. The first few chapters of Proverbs, most of which were written by King Solomon, personify wisdom and explain it well.

What is wisdom? "then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:5 "By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations…by his knowledge the deeps were divided…" Proverbs 3:19-20
Who gives wisdom? "For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6
How do you find wisdom? "…if you accept my words and store up my commands within you…and search for it as for hidden treasure," Proverbs 2:1-4
Does God want you to find it? "Wisdom calls aloud in the streets," Proverbs 1:20
What are the benefits of wisdom? "…I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you." Proverbs 1:23 "He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair–every good path…Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you." Proverbs 2:7-12 "for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity… Long life is in her right hand; and in her left hand are riches and honor…She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed." Proverbs 3:2-18 When God gave Solomon riches and honor besides the wisdom he asked for (1 Kings 3:5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12), Solomon was getting the natural results of wisdom. The man who desires true wisdom often receives riches as well.  

How do we recognize wisdom in ourselves and others? “But the wisdom that comes from heaven if first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 If, when we think we are wise, our attitudes and actions do not measure up to the guidelines of this verse, we are being deceived.

The highest wisdom is shown in a life lived according to this standard: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 To know God and acquire His wisdom is much more important than money. Money means nothing without wisdom.

"Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?" Proverbs 17:16 A fool has no desire to get wisdom; he has no desire to know God. Even his money will not benefit him.

"The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly." Proverbs 14:24 Wealth acquired by honest means can bring honor and respect. Money acquired apart from the wisdom of God will be wasted or used for harm.

* HONESTY

If we are dishonest with unbelievers in any way we should never expect them to come to know Jesus. If they do, it will be in spite of us, not because of us. If we are dishonest with other Christians, they will lose trust respect for us. They might even become bitter: ”See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 If someone becomes bitter because of of our dishonesty, and many are defiled, it is our fault as well. We are hurting God deeply when we are dishonest with anyone: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” Ephesians 4:30 We are destroying God’s kingdom.

“Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.” Leviticus 19:35-36 When we use honest scales and weights we show that we respect God.

"Do not have two differing weights in your bag–one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house–one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” Deuteronomy 25:13-16 In Old Testament times the amount of exchange in buying and selling was often determined when an object of like weight was put on the opposite end of a scale. It was fairly easy to tamper with the true weight of that object. The consequence for the Israelites of having dishonest weights was not living long in the land God had given them. In a sense, we can see that same consequence coming to pass today. If a person is dishonest, it soon becomes known, and their reputation and business endeavor (if that is involved) is ruined.

God detests dishonestly and He: “…sees what is done in secret…” Matthew 6:4 Although only God might knows initially when a person is dishonest, soon others will know. “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9

"Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag of His making." Proverbs 16:11

"The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment." Proverbs 10:16 This passage implies that the wicked in this case are people that have acquired their money dishonestly. That is why their income will bring them punishment.

"The righteous eat to their heart’s content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." Proverbs 13:25 The same promise is found in the New Testament–the righteous do not have to worry about the necessities of life: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33 The righteous are those that seek God’s will; they seek His kingdom and His righteousness. We are not righteous in ourselves, only when we apply Christ’s righteousness to our lives.

"The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble." Proverbs 15:6 A general principle is that if a person works diligently and is honest with all they have, they will begin to acquire “great treasure.” What the wicked (the dishonest) acquire will “bring them trouble.”

"Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse. " Proverbs 19:1 This helps define a fool: someone whose lips are perverse. He is contrasted with one whose walk is blameless. “Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse." Proverbs 28:6 The world puts much stock in riches. They need to see the truth of this parable. Unfortunately there are Christians, blinded by greed, that have not yet seen that riches mean nothing if a person’s ways are dishonest, even in small matters.

"A man’s greed is his shame; better to be poor than a liar." Proverbs 19:22 The fact that a person is greedy is shameful. Greed will bring shame.

"Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth of gravel." Proverbs 20:17 An evil man takes pleasure in acquiring something by deceit. He does not realize that he will suffer the just consequences of his sin.

"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off." Psalm 37:21-22 The wicked think that they will have more because of their deception, but God sees everything and works it out so that they will be destroyed. Instead, the righteous who give to the Lord will inherit the land.

"He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty." Proverbs 22:16 Anyone who oppresses the poor to increase his money is going against the very heart of God–he will come to poverty.

"Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them." Proverbs 22:23 You are fighting the Lord when you fight the poor and needy in court.

"A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops." Proverbs 28:3 A ruler that oppresses the poor causes much destruction. In many nations, because of corrupt governments, the people are starving even though there could be an abundance of food.

"By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down." Proverbs 29:4 The influence of a ruler is very great. When a ruler accepts bribes, everyone in the nation is hurt.

"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern" Proverbs 29:7 One characteristic of a wicked man is that he does not care about the poor. We are to do what we can to bring justice to the genuinely poor.

"Two things I ask of You, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I will have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30:2-9 If we have just the right amount of money we will not be either tempted to steal or tempted to think that we do not need God. We should ask God to give us just the amount of money that will glorify Him most.

"There are…those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind." Proverbs 30:11-14 Destruction caused by the wicked can be very great. The wicked not only do not care about the poor–they devour the poor. The depth of corruption is found in people who use the things of God for their own gain. That is why they peach the gospel, acquire Christian friends, attend church, appear at Christian functions, etc. The sad thing about this is that they have wandered so far from the truth that they often do not realize the depths of their depravity. There are others that have no time for Christianity because they have wandered from the faith, which initially started with their love of money: "…Men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:5-10 But the exciting truth is that all we need is God. When we act like Him, we will have “contentment and great gain”.

* DILIGENCE

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 6:6-11 God does not want us to be lazy. In this passage He defines the sluggard–one who is lazy. He is someone that needs to be made to store up provisions. He would rather sleep than work. He does not worry about food for a later time, not because he trusts in God, but because he does not even consider the future. If he needs money or provisions he plans to manipulate or steal in order to acquire them. But someday poverty and scarcity will come to him. God has even provided us an example from nature of what we should be like. The ant does not require anyone to tell it what to do, yet it stores up provisions.

"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Proverbs 10:4-5 Laziness is the opposite of diligence. Diligence is the characteristic of a leader: “…if it is leadership, let him govern diligently…” Romans 12:8

"Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor." Proverbs 12:24 The diligent rule. "Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry." Proverbs 19:15 Too much sleep is a characteristic of the lazy: "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare." Proverbs 20:13 "As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed." Proverbs 26:14

"The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions." Proverbs 12:27 A lazy man lets what he has decay while taking care of possessions is a characteristic of the diligent.

"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." Proverbs 13:4 A general principle is that those who work hard receive all they need.

"Where there is no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest." Proverbs 14:4 When we plan and work to acquire the right equipment, much can be accomplished.

"The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more but the righteous give without sparing." Proverbs 21:25-26 The sluggard refuses. When he does acquire money he spends it quickly and foolishly.

"I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.  I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 24:30-34 The logical consequence of being a sluggard is poverty. .
"The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth." Proverbs 26:15 The characteristic of a sluggard is laziness.

“One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” Proverbs 18:9 The sluggard not only hurts himself, he hurts others.

‘He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored." Proverbs 27:18 We should receive a reward for our work: “The hard-working farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” 2 Timothy 2:6

"Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown in not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats milk to feed you ad your family and to nourish your servant girls." Proverbs 27:23-27 It is honorable and profitable to work as a farmer with animals.

"A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him." Proverbs 28:11 Riches can make a person feel that they are wise even when no skill or intelligence was involved in acquiring them.
"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." Proverbs 14:23 There are people who talk and talk but never accomplish anything. Hard work has to accompany talk.

‘The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste lead to poverty." Proverbs 21:5 Trying to earn money quickly will fail. Unless it is in the plan of God, some dishonesty is usually involved: "A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished." Proverbs 28:20

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 In this passage God, through Paul, is telling us that to work diligently and not be dependent on anybody should be our ambition. How often do people come to know God because of the quiet, orderly, joyful, honest, diligent life of a believer? Probably more than we know.

* MORE ON MONEY

"Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.  Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." Proverbs 15:16-17 We have probably all experienced a time when, although much preparation which had gone into a special meal, it meant nothing because of strife. That should put great wealth in perspective. It means nothing without love that comes from the fear of the Lord.

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22:7 Our relationship is not the same with someone from whom we have borrowed money. The attitude of someone who lacks integrity will be begrudging. A person of integrity might be grateful but still feel obliged or indebted.

"The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall." Proverbs 18:11 The rich often are so blind they feel secure as long as they have money.

The money we have affects the way we treat others and the way we see ourselve:. “A poor man begs for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly." Proverbs 18:23 The poor sometimes lose their friends: “Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend deserts him." Proverbs 19:4 "The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends." Proverbs 14:20

Some people are friends because of what we can do for them: “A poor man is shunned by all his relatives–how much more do his friends avoid him!  Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found." Proverbs 19:7

Are they really our friends who would desert us when we become poor? Our money should not affect our friendship with people. If we are poor, we should be hospitable with the little we have and not expect our wealthier friends to pay our way, and if we are rich, we should not embarrass or look down on our poor friends. It is people of high integrity, on both sides, that can be close friends with a person of a great economic difference. Jonathan and David would be such an example. When David was a poor shepherd that was called on to sing for King Saul and Jonathan was the son of a king, their friendship was first formed out of a deep love of both for God (1 Samuel 18).

"’It’s no good, it’s no good!’ says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase." Proverbs 20:14 We need wisdom because there are many people who are dishonest in acquiring money.

"One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” Proverbs 13:7 What a man says about how much money he has is not always a good indication of the truth. 

“A man’s riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat." Proverbs 13:8 There are some advantages of not having money.

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." Proverbs 17:1 No matter how excellent the food, if there is strife it will not be enjoyed.

Moses “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.” Hebrews 11:25

"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." Proverbs 23:4-5 A wise person will work enough to support himself and his family and have enough to give to others. He will not spend unnecessary time working just to get money. Even the time we spend working belongs to God.

“…But you have insulted the poor….But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James 2:6-9 To show favoritism to the rich would be to seek your own honor or fortune. To do so is to violate God’s law.

“A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” Proverbs 13:22 Justice will be done eventually–the righteous will receive the wealth of the wicked. The Lord gives the only secure inheritance.

"Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Deuteronomy 25:4 is quoted in the following Scripture: "Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: ‘ Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely He says this for us, doesn’t He? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have shown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we do not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should get their living from the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:7-14

"Anyone who works in the service of the Lord should be paid enough so that he can do the work of the Lord without hindrance. The elders who directed the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’ 1 Timothy 5:17-18

However, Paul would not accept any money even though he was entitled to be paid for his services: "…But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward?  Just this: that in preaching the gospel, I may offer it free of charge, and so make use of my rights in preaching it." 1 Corinthians 9:15-18

It would be to the Lord’s honor not to accept unnecessary money from God’s people. Also, no one should decide on their own that they are entitled to be paid. For instance, there are people that expect to live off others because they are a self-proclaimed evangelist, worship leader, etc. Ideally God should choose the person chosen to be pastor, evangelist, etc. Certainly they were in Old Testament times. For example: “Those were the names of Aaron’s son, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests…Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.” Numbers 3:3-6

*CONCLUSION

God gives us money and the freedom to spend much of it the way we wish. We can use it selfishly or wisely. In talking about Timothy, Paul says: “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:19-20 Are we using our money to further the interests of Jesus Christ? Are we laying up treasures in heaven–true riches?

* QUESTIONS

PARABLE OF THE SHREWD MANAGER
1. How is the manager shrewd?
2. Why does the master commend the dishonest manager?
3. What would Jesus not commend about the dishonest manager?
4. What is the main point of th parable of Luke 16:1-15?
5. What are the true riches of heaven?
6. What does the parable of Matthew 25:14-30 show about how we will be judged and how we will be rewarded?
7. Who will we judge when we get to heaven? What does that show us about what we should be doing now? (1 Corinthians 6:1-5)
8. What are we supposed to do because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain?
 

WISDOM BETTER THAN MONEY
1. How does God use money? Why do we have money both from a natural perspective and a spiritual perspective?
2. What can compare to wisdom?
3. What is wisdom? Who gives wisdom? Where do you find wisdom? Does God want you to find it? What are the benefits of wisdom? (Proverbs)
4. What else did Solomon get when he chose wisdom?
5. How is wisdom shown in our lives? (James 1:27, 3:17)
6. Why is money of no use in the hands of a fool?

HONESTY
1. What happens when we are dishonest with unbelievers? With believers?
2. What are we showing when we use honest scales and weights?
3. Who does the Lord detest?
4. According to the Word of God, how do the wicked use their money? Give some examples from your experience.
5. According to the Word of God, how do the righteous use their money? Give some examples from your experience.
6. What will happen if we have crooked paths? How can we walk securely?
7. Why aren’t we to worry about material possessions? What are we to do instead?
8. What does the income of the wicked bring them?
9. What happens to food gained by fraud?
10. Why does the writer of Proverbs 30 want neither poverty nor riches?

DILIGENCE
1. What can we learn from the ant about diligence?
2. What does the .lazy man do? What are the results of laziness?
3. What does the diligent man do? What are the results of diligence?
4. What does mere talk and haste lead to? What are the opposites of these actions and what are the results? Give examples from life.
5. How will we win the respect of outsiders? Give examples of how you have seen the results of this principle.
 

MORE ON MONEY
1. How does money effect the way we treat others and the way we see ourselves?
2. How will a true friend treat us as regards to money?
3. What advantages are there to being poor?
4. Can you give an example of a sinner’s wealth being stored up for the poor (Proverbs 13:22)?
5. Give examples of showing favoritism. Give examples of treating others as you wish to be treated.
6. What does it man to muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14)?
a. Discuss how the Word of God applies this principle.
b. Discuss practical way this principle should be applied.
c. Paul is an example of someone that did not use the privileges of this principle. What effect did his sacrifice have?
7. Are you using your riches to further the cause of Jesus Christ? Are you laying up your treasures in heaven? Give an example of how you are doing this. Could you do better?

 GENEROSTIY AS A SPIRITUAL WEAPON

Generosity is a spiritual weapon. It breaks demonic power. It is part of  “your feet fitted with the gospel of peace” Ephesians 6:15—promoting love and peace. To give to someone softens his heart. Just like stealing or manipulating money promotes distrust, giving promotes trust. Most people who receive want to give.

"A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great." Proverbs 18:16 Sometimes the appropriate gift can open the door to the presence of the great (or to someone’s heart).

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22 “…Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21 When someone has done us harm and we give either in material possessions, a kind word, wise advice, prayer, etc., we are increasing his awareness of his guilt. For instance, a man gave an expensive Bible to a man who had accepted Christ as Savior, but who had for many years borrowed without returning or had stolen from him. Hopefully, the man given the Bible would read the Bible until he is convicted of his sin and repents.

Either he will repent or his judgment will be more severe. We should, like God, desire his repentance. In fact, God will not act because of our sin: “Do not gloat when your enemy fall; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.” Proverbs 24:17 If he repents he will be a different person that will be made into the image of Christ. The devil wins in a sense if he does not repent, but God will ultimately be glorified in either case because God is “proved right” when He speaks and “justified” when He judges. (Psalm 51:4). The choice is up to that individual who did wrong, but we know that we have done our part.

Sometimes the Lord uses the generosity of His people to bring about consequences that are for His glory even though they do not seem wise. A pastor  manipulated his congregation into giving him money for a project. This project was in the country where he came from and to which he wanted to return. A few people knew of his deception and prayed fervently. The pastor succeeded, but when he came to the country he found circumstances had changed and the country was not the pleasant place he expected. By this time the majority of the church had realized what kind of man he was and would not help him with the funds to return. God had gotten rid of this dishonest pastor, who was causing a great deal of harm, by using His people’s ignorance and generosity. They had given to the Lord and He had used that money, although not in the way they expected: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

There is a balance: “The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ They cry.” Proverbs 30:15 We can be enabling a person to continue in his sin or actually giving to the devil. An extreme example of this would be giving to drug addicts who would use the money to buy drugs for themselves or others: “…There is no fear of God before his (their) eyes.” Psalm 36:1; Romans 3:18. They are “…men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.” Psalm 55:19 Make sure to give with a pure motive under the Lord’s direction.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 We are to give FIRST and then God will give to us (of course God gave first in the sense that He has given us our very life and much more unconditionally). When we give first we are showing that we have faith that God will give to us–that is what He has promised. More importantly we are showing our love for God. We should give to others knowing of His love for them. In giving to others, we are giving to God: “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

* EXAMPLES OF GIVING FROM THE BIBLE

Elijah asked the widow of Zarephath to give the handful of flour and the little oil she had to make him a small cake of bread. When she did, she had plenty to feed Elijah, her son and herself until the Lord gave rain to the land (1 Kings 17:7-24).

The Shunammite woman, who had given so much hospitality to Elisha, obeyed his command to leave her home because the Lord had decreed a famine in the land of Israel. When she returned after seven years, all the income and land that she had given up were restored to her (2 Kings 4:8-37, 8:1-6).  

When Mary of Bethany honored Jesus by pouring expensive perfume on His head, He honored her: “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mark 14:9

When a little boy gave five small barley loaves and two small fish Jesus multiplied it to feed a large crowd (John 6:5-13). When the boy blessed others he received a spiritual blessing–imagine the joy he received! It is much more meaningful to get spiritual blessings than physical blessings. Jesus said, “…’It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 We always get spiritual blessings when we give as to God.

We will be given evil if that is what we give. Jacob (whose names means “deceives”) deceived his father Isaac into giving him Esau’s blessing (he had already deceived Esau out of his birthright). In turn, his uncle, Laban deceived him and gave him Leah as a wife instead of Rachel (Genesis 25-33). He had a deceptive nature until he wrestled with God and his name was changed to Israel (which means “he struggles with God) (Genesis 32:28).

When Jesus was arrested and Peter cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus said, “…all who draw the sword will die by the sword…” (Matthew 26:52; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:50-51; John 18:10). This principle is also stated in the Old Testament: “These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves. Such is the end of those who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.” Proverbs 1:18-19 It is shown in Scripture in the lives of the wicked. For instance. Athaliah destroyed the royal family (except for Joash who was hidden) so that no one could contest the throne, and she was finally put to death with the sword (2 Kings 11:1-16).

Also, as individuals we are not supposed to take revenge or “draw the sword” because “…’It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord,” Romans 12:19 If we do so, we might “die by the sword.” However, confronting someone when they have wronged us is not revenge (Matthew 18:15-16; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 3:16). We need to seek God’s guidance in each situation.

There are people that God has chosen to carry out His judgment: “…The authorities that exist are established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment of themselves.” Romans 13:1-2

God will repay each person for the good or the evil he does; we will receive what we have given.

* SCRIPTURES VERSES CONCERNING GENEROSITY

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’–when you now have it with you." Proverbs 3:27-28 We are to give to our neighbor if we have what he needs. However, he is to be someone who deserves it, not someone who will not work or spends his money foolishly or selfishly and then expects us to help him. It also depends on how our neighbor requests help. We may not give him money, but can help him in other ways. It is best to err on the side of generosity. Sometimes God allows us to make mistakes in order to give us wisdom. If we feel God wants us to give, then give, and leave the results with God: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

If we give freely we will prosper, and others will be refreshed and bless us: “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell." Proverbs 11:24-26 Our natural minds think that if we give something away, we will have less. God says we will have more. God can keep our appliances working, our car running, our family healthy so we can work, or have people remember us when we are in need, etc. If we refuse to give when we feel directed to do so, what we have refused to give will often be wasted. Not only that, but as this verse shows, we will be cursed. We do not have to fear curses if we are doing what is right (Proverbs 26:2), however, if we withhold unduly, we can be affected.

If we oppress the poor we show contempt for God: "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Proverb 14:31 When we do something for the needy, we are doing it for God (Matthew 25:31-46).

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17 If we really could understand in our hearts this principle we would always be kind to the poor. And God pays back with interest.

"If a man shuts his ear to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered." Proverbs 21:13 If we do not give when it is needed, how can we expect to be given what we need. A good guide would be to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39

"The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more but the righteous give without sparing." Proverbs 21:25-26 A sluggard, who refuses to work, is contrasted with the righteous, who work hard and has plenty to give away. This also shows that the sluggard is not the same as the poor although both have no money.

“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income…” Ecclesiastes 5:10 We always have enough money to give when God tells us to give. If money is our god, we will never have enough.

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9 Again and again the Bible tells us we are to share with the poor and we will be blessed.

“He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty.” Proverbs 22:16 Sometimes we are not to give. Giving to the rich is usually giving with the wrong motives. For instance, we may give a gift to a rich person to impress him or because we feel obligated to keep a tradition or return a favor.

Also some giving is enabling a person to continue in his sin. Does your giving enable him to keep drinking, taking drugs, smoking or not having to work for his food when he should be doing so? In this case you would actually be giving money to do the devil’s work. Sometimes if we really love someone, we will let him suffer the consequences of his sin. This is the same principle used in correcting our children: “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Proverbs 13:24

"Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. ‘Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments." Proverbs 23:6-8 A stingy man is the opposite of a generous man. He is always thinking about the cost and is not concerned about his guests even though he pretends to be. We should not even eat his food if we know this is the case.

"A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him." Proverbs 28:22 A stingy man is someone that is eager to get rich. If someone does not consider the Lord in his plans, poverty might await him. Spiritual poverty will definitely await him.

"A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper." Proverbs 28:23 A greedy man will make sure that he always has the advantage in a financial situation or else he will be dishonest. He might gamble and hurt his family and others. All this will bring bitterness and distrust. However, if you trust in the Lord, you will be generous when needed and fair. This will bring trust and a prosperity that is sound and secure.

"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." Proverbs 28:27 God promises that if we give to the poor we will lack nothing. If we close our eyes to their need, we receive many curses. If we give to a reputable mission organization whose main purpose is to spread the gospel, we are both helping to spread the gospel to the world and giving to people who are poor through no fault of their own.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9 We are to defend those who cannot defend themselves. These might be children, someone that cannot afford legal counsel, the elderly, the mentally handicapped, the poor, the uninformed, someone that is not present when a decision is being made, etc. Our society does make a way for many of these people to be cared for, and we should support these organizations, especially with our prayers.
Proverbs 31 tells about the wife of noble character. She is someone that helps the poor and needy: “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

Jesus commends a poor widow woman who gave all of the little she had to God. No one else noticed her little bit compared to the large amounts given by the wealthy who gave what they did not need: "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty, put in everything–all that she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44 (Luke 21:1-4)

It is not the amount we give, but our attitude in giving. Jesus will commend us if we give 100% of ourselves, including our possessions. We give to God if we do with our possessions what God would have us do.

Paul has learned to be content in every situation, yet he deeply appreciates the gifts given by the Philippians, especially, in that it encouraged his heart that they were sacrificing to God: "…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles…you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I was looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:12-19

He assures them that God, who owns everything, will meet their needs. The condition of God meeting needs: giving as He directs and seeking first His kingdom: "If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need." 1 Timothy 5:16 We should take care of our own families. The church should not have the burden of taking care of those widows who aren’t really in need because they have families that can care for them.

Riches mean nothing. In fact, they will be evidence against us if we hoard them for ourselves: "Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence.  You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you." James 5:1-6

* THE EXAMPLE OF THE MACEDONIAN CHURCHES

The Macedonian churches provide one of the best examples of giving: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints…they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” 2 Corinthians 8:2-5

First, their relationship with God was right. They realized how much God had given for them. This was not a mere intellectual knowing, but a deep inner knowledge. They were filled with joy that overflowed in their generosity. Their severe trials and extreme poverty had made them better, not bitter. Without any prompting, they had pleaded for the privilege of sharing with the saints. They gave themselves first to God, then to others.

“But just as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us–see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 Paul also gives us a good pattern when making requests. Paul commends the Corinthians for their faith, speed, knowledge, earnestness and love for them. He finds something sincerely good about them. This is not flattery but an honest commendation with an honest request. They had already expressed a desire to give. He reminds them of this and gives them reason to keep their promise. He calls their giving and “act of grace” v. 6 and the “grace of giving.” v. 7

“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 God has directed Paul to write, so this shows His heart. We are not commanded to give (to tithe, yes), but the way we use our money tells about our love of God.

“Our desire is not that others may be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality, as it is written: ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little’. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 He doesn’t have unfair expectations; he wants everyone, including the Corinthians, to have their needs met.

Paul gives us the reasons for giving. The more we know God and have faith in His generosity, the more we will give. As we give we will receive so that we will have more to give: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.’ Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity is sharing with them and with everyone else.  And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

This passage shows generosity as a spiritual weapon. Giving promotes the kingdom of God in a mighty way because it causes “overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” Praise itself is a mighty weapon (2 Chronicles 20:1-30). It shows faith in God (Ephesians 6:16), which is listed with the weapons of God. Men will associate giving with “the gospel of Christ.” It blesses people and makes them more fruitful because we have been “sharing with them and with everyone else.” And people that you give to “in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you” making your life more blessed and fruitful.

Giving is not something we can do on our own. For the Macedonian churches it was the “surpassing grace God has given you.” It has to grow out of our relationship with Him.

* CONCLUSION

Most of the time when my husband, Jim, and our children and I lived in Nova Scotia we rented a small farm. At one time I milked cows. We had much more milk than we needed so we started giving it away. I would put the milk in two litre glass containers and Jim would deliver it on the way to work. We tried to choose people who either appreciated the milk or seemed to need it.

It began to bother me because I would see people to whom we were giving milk spending their money foolishly. I started praying about this situation. I told the Lord I didn’t want to judge, but in a way it was my money they were spending; it didn’t seem right what they were doing. What should I do? The Lord spoke to me, “The integrity of the upright guides them…” Proverbs 11:3 Right away I thought of charging for my milk. I charged a few cents more than the store (but the store soon increased its prices) since fresh milk was much more valuable to me. We sold milk to fewer people who bought larger quantities. We made about fifty dollars a week.

Jim drove the church bus to give people rides to church, Sunday School, children’s meetings and other events. The church owned the bus, one of the church members provided maintenance and we bought the gas. Jim told me that without the money made selling milk, we wouldn’t have the funds to operate the bus. It took about fifty dollars a week. When Jim told me that, it confirmed that the Lord had directed me in my decision. The Lord knew that I wanted to give to what I felt was a worthy cause, and He provided a worthy cause.

Because I don’t work I would rather give my time. We pay for the small expenses each of my volunteer activities require. Jim handles the giving of money.

When should we give? How do we hear God’s voice? How do we know His direction? All of life should be getting to know God. He speaks in many different ways. Sometimes He allows us to make a mistake in order to teach us something. As each of us are different, so the gifts God would like from each of us are different. But the principle remains the same for everyone: “Give, and it will be given to you…” Luke 6:38

* PROPHECY AND THE AMERICAN ECONOMY–Rev. Michael Bresciani

“…In the mid seventies I heard a four part message that at the time seemed impossible. It was prior to the economic boom of the eighties when home values were skyrocketing and the stock market was reaching to the stars. The message was in English and said ‘Michael you are a prophet’ then came the words ‘you will speak to the American people,’ followed by ‘This is the message you will speak, Ov, Ov Penury,’ the final word was ‘not many will come out.’…
The message made no sense to me not only because America wasn’t experiencing shortages of almost anything but also because I hadn’t a clue what ‘Ov’ meant. The word penury wasn’t even in my vocabulary and I had to look it up. 
I finally found that Ov is an old English contraction for ‘overmuch’ which more commonly means ‘a lot of.’ The word penury means, a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. America, in a state of extreme poverty and scarcity! Try telling that to the American dream crowd pounding away at the house in suburbia with two cars, strong college funds for the 3.5 kids, good pension plans and success in careers or business.
I took some consolation in the fact that the exact same message was given to Pastor David Wilkerson of New York City’s ‘Times Square Church.’ …Wilkerson published a book called ‘The Vision.’ In The Vision Wilkerson detailed the amazing events that God revealed to him after he fasted and went into a long prayer vigil.
From then to now every single element of the revelation given to Wilkerson has already happened with the exception of one. That part of his vision seems to have been delayed until now just like my own. He saw a stock market dive and other economic disasters that would leave the country reeling…The world’s greatest ‘super power’ is in for an awakening. It is apropos that judgments, chastisements and corrections should come to America through economic hardships but why. Put simply it is the only language we never misunderstand. The American dream consists of everything we hold dear, the home, the cars, plenty of everything and untouchable security. You can speak of the threat of terrorists or the explosive situation brewing in the Middle East but our own economic woes are as close to home as it gets.
My view of what God has told me has been colored, reinforced and given more particulars by a careful comparison of our history, other biblical prophecies and the general moral state of the nation over the past forty years. My view is that we will undergo a deepening of the economic crisis until the fluff is blown away. What fluff you say?
Almost everything that we take for granted will no longer be granted. Jobs will dissolve by the tens of thousands; goods will be harder to find including ordinary food supplies. Grain will not be used for fuel because it will be too precious. Banks will close, fortunes will be lost and the precious metals purchased for backup will be useless. The line from an old Christian song says it best, ‘A piece of bread would buy a bag of gold.’ Pension funds will collapse or be diverted and securities and bonds will diminish rapidly in value. Stocks will plummet from blue chips to tech stocks. The word survival will once again take the place of success and riches as keywords in our everyday conversations as they did during the great depression.
The message was appendaged with the words ‘not many will come out.’ I have never doubted what that means. Clearly the modern apostate church and the world at large will not haste to heed this warning. Human nature is ancient but little has changed in it. As in the old world today folks will cozy up to the voices that promise great things to come with no downside attached. Ancient prophets always gave their messages to point people to the leaving God not to gather adherents to their own doorstep. Today it would be possible to preach the gospel of salvation of the divine pumpkin pie if you have a good enough publicist and access to some major TV time. For that ‘they will come out,’ not God’s words but mine. But don’t worry there will always be ‘Philadelphian’ type churches throughout America until the very end. (Rev. 3: 7f)
Some have asked where they should put their money. In keeping with the biblically derived formula that money saved is usually money wasted, money spent is money used and money given is money saved; I have only one answer. Give it away, as much as you possibly can. (Mt. 6:19) Find some organization that feeds and clothes children or drills wells in villages without clean water or give it to orphanages or ministries that are getting the gospel out. You will become rich in ways that have nothing to do with personal gain.
The poverty or scarcity God speaks of has nothing to do with hurting or harming the nation. It is a wake up call or what the bible calls ‘chastisement’ for the most obvious reasons, God loves us. In the famous story of the prodigal son in the fifteenth chapter of Luke one element of the story that is almost always overlooked is what caused the prodigal to get so low that he had to feed pigs and to avoid starvation he was even tempted to eat some of their food. The element not often mentioned is the fact that he squandered the fortune that was given to him from his inheritance. He wasted the blessings of his father without regard to the future. He lived riotously and the party seemed like it would never end. All parties end.
Why does God send prophets, messengers and preachers to us so steadily so faithfully? I’ll let him answer that for himself from a passage found in the illustrious version of the bible known as the ‘Message.’
‘Think about this. Wrap your minds around it. This is a serious business, rebels. Take it to heart. Remember your history, your long and rich history. I am God, the only God you’ve had or ever will have – incomparable, irreplaceable – From the very beginning telling you what the ending will be, All along letting you in on what is going to happen, Assuring you, I’m in this for the long haul. I’ll do exactly what I set out to do.’ Isaiah 46: 8-10 “
Rev Bresciani is an author and columnist for several online and print publications.

* QUESTIONS  

GENEROSITY AS A SPIRITUAL WEAPON
1. Why is generosity a spiritual weapon? Which of the armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) does generosity fit under? 
2. What should be our motive in giving?
3. Why are we to give to our enemy?

EXAMPLES OF GENEROSITY
1. What happened because the widow of Zarephath gave?
2. What happened because the Shunammite woman gave?
3. Why did Mary of Bethany give? What were the results of her giving?
4. What happen when the boy with the five small barley loaves and two small fish gave? How does that encourage us today?
5. Give examples of receiving evil because of giving evil?
6. Who has God chosen to carry out His judgments? Give examples.

SCRIPTURES ABOUT GENEROSITY
1. When we are commanded to give?
2. What are we showing when we oppress the poor?
3. What happens when we give freely?
4. What two kinds of people come to poverty according to Proverbs 22:16? How does this happen practically?
5. What characterizes stingy men?
6. What will happen to those who close their eyes to the poor?
7. Who is supposed to help widows?

THE MACEDONIAN CHURCHES
1. How do the Macedonian churches provide such a good example of giving? 
2. Give some examples of giving and the consequences of giving from your own life?

CONCLUSION
1. What does the prophecy concerning the American economy recommend about giving?

* JUDAH AND TAMAR

God had taken the lives of Judah’s two sons, both of whom had been Tamar’s husbands. Thinking it was because of her that they had died, Judah did not give her his youngest son, Selah, in marriage. At that time, a man was supposed to marry the wife of his deceased brother in order to raise children to carry on the brother’s family.

Seeing that Judah was not going to give her to Selah, Tamar dresses as a prostitute in order to deceive Judah, her father-in-law, into enabling her to bear children to carry on the family line. His wife has recently died and Judah is on the way to a feast after sheep shearing time.

He sees Tamar and thinks she is a temple prostitute. He promises her a young goat, which was the usual payment offering for this sin, in return for her sexual services. She seemed to fear that the promised goat would not arrive: “Will you give me something as a pledge until you send it?“  Genesis 38:17

When she requested the signs of his honor and dignity–his identification seal and his walking stick–Judah handed them to her without hesitation!

When Judah, by means of a friend, planned to deliver the goat in exchange for the seal and the staff, he was told there never had been a shrine prostitute in that location. Judah now feared that if other people found out what he had done, he would become a laughingstock among his people. He could only hope there would be no consequences.

When Judah was told that his daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result was pregnant, he sentenced her to be burned to death. She was the widow of his two eldest sons and was still considered to be the bride of his youngest son. As the head of the family, he had the responsibility to judge the sin Tamar had committed.

Shortly before she arrived at the site of execution, she gave an identification seal and a staff to the men escorting her and sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man who owns these. See if you recognize whose seal and cord and staff these are.” Genesis 38:25

Judah had to confess with shame that Tamar had vindicated the legal rights that had been kept from her: “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” Genesis 38: 26 Six months later, Tamar delivered two sons, Perez and Zerah. Perez became a forefather in the lineage of Jesus.

A pledge is “a solemn promise.” Security is “something given as a pledge that a person will fulfill some duty or promise.” The World Book Dictionary. Judah made a pledge to Tamar that he would give her a goat. He gave her his staff and seal as security that he would fulfill that pledge. These events happened because of Judah’s broken pledge to give his son Selah to Tamar in marriage.

* WARNINGS FROM SCRIPTURE

To put up security is to assume responsibility for someone’s debt. An example would be to promise, whether in writing or not, that you would pay if someone could/would not fulfill their house payments. The Bible warns against taking the responsibility for someone’s debt six times in the book of (Proverbs 6:1-5, 11:15, 17:18, 20:16, 22:26-27, 27:16).

(1 “My son, if you put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!  Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids.  Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.” Proverbs 6:1-5 We are even told what to do if we have already put up security. We are to humble ourselves and plead to be released from our obligation. We are not to rest until we are free.

"Put up security…strike hands in pledge"–refers to responsibility for someone else’s debt (Proverbs 22:26) or for some other obligation. It can end in abject poverty (Proverbs 22:27) or even slavery if you cannot pay. For example, Judah volunteered to personally guarantee the safe return of Benjamin to Jacob (Genesis 43:9), and when this seemed impossible, he had to offer himself to Joseph as a slave (Genesis 44:32-33). “Striking hands,” equivalent to our handshake (see Proverbs 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 22:26; Job 17:3), sealed such an agreement. "Trapped…ensnared" (Proverbs 6:5; 5:22). To free yourself–to gain release from the obligation. Fallen into your neighbor’s hands–assumed responsibility for his obligation. Press your plea–be as persistent as the man in Luke 11:8.No sleep…no slumber–like David in Palm 132:4. Snare of the fowler–see Psalm 124:7” NIV Study Bible

(2 “He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.” Proverbs 11:15 You will be kept safe from becoming unfairly in debt if you refuse to strike hands in pledge.

(3 “A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.” Proverbs 17:18 Striking hands in pledge is not something God wants us to do. He tells us this plainly in His Word and His will is never contrary to His Word. If you do this you are lacking in judgment. That is why Bible reading and teaching are so important. How much better to avoid situations than to have to learn the hard way. God promises us wisdom if we ask (James 1:5), and often the way God teaches us judgment and wisdom is through experience. If we are not sure what to do in a situation we should take advice from the Bible: “He who walks with the wise grows wise…” Proverbs 13:20 and “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 Develop the habit of getting counsel from wise friends.

(4 “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” Proverbs 22:26-27 You might even be reduced to poverty if the other person cannot or refuses to pay the debt.

(5 This proverb is repeated, showing its importance: “Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.” Proverbs 20:16 is the same as Proverbs 27:13.
 

“Take the garment–a garment could be taken as security for a debt (Deut. 24:10-13). Anyone who foolishly assumed responsibility for the debt of a stranger, whose reliability is unknown, or of a wayward woman, whose unreliability is known, ought to be held accountable even to the degree of taking his garment as a pledge.” The NIV Study Bible

The Bible tells us to be generous and sometimes putting up security seems like the generous thing to do. Maybe that is one reason we are warned six times not to put up security–because it seems like generosity. We are supposed to give under God’s direction to meet man’s need–not man’s greed.

* SCRIPTURAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF PLEDGES

We are supposed to be absolutely righteous when accepting a pledge: “When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into his house to get what he is offering as a pledge. Stay outside and let the man to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. Deuteronomy 24:10-11 Not going into a person’s house shows respect for that person and is also a safeguard–there will be no reason to charge us unfairly.

“If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.” Exodus 22:26-27 God will consider us righteous if we do not keep the pledge of a poor man that will endanger his well-being. This kindness will bring honor to God.

"If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. Return the cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you and it will be regarded as righteous act in the sight of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 24:12-13 We bring honor to God by doing righteous acts: “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

We are commanded to show compassion and mercy in the use of pledges: “Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice or take the cloak of a widow as a pledge.” Deuteronomy 24:17

How much easier not to deal with pledges and security, although this is necessary in business.

* LENDING MONEY

Jesus said: "’You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42

A similar passage is found in the book of Luke: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:32-36 
“Jesus is not of course advocating the kind of indiscriminate generosity which would encourage lazy and parasitical good-for-nothings.” The New Bible Commentary Revised

Lending money to meet someone’s greed can be similar to putting up security. This may be done in order to be kind to them. However, if they spend money they do not have, they will eventually suffer. And if they purposely do not return the money, it causes them to fall under the curse of God because they are paying “back evil for good.” Proverbs 17:13

There are many people that in various ways try to manipulate money from us. Learn to ask God’s direction immediately. If He does direct us to give someone money it would usually be at a time when the person does not think that his manipulation has earned him money. For instance, there was a woman that was always complaining that she needed money hoping people would give her some. Another woman met her on the street one day and gave her some money before she had a chance to say anything. The woman who gave the money said afterwards that she felt the Lord had directed her to give money. We should give even when we do not understand: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Sometimes the Lord teaches us by letting us make mistakes. One pastor bought a man food thinking that, even though the man was an alcoholic, this was the kind thing to do. Soon after, the pastor drove by the liquor store and saw the man coming out. The man had deceived the pastor into buying him groceries so he could spend his money on liquor!

We should give UNDER THE LORD’S DIRECTION, which sometimes includes a radical self-sacrificing generosity. We should lend “without expecting anything back” to those to whom we know it is God’s will to do so.

Many people say they need money. Why do they need money? Is it a necessity or a worthwhile reason? Why don’t they have money? Do they spend their money foolishly or are they dishonest? Will it honor God to give or lend it to them? Perhaps there are other questions to ask depending on the situation. Sometimes it is not an easy to determine answer. Sometimes it requires much prayer and waiting on the Lord: “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15 If we have no clear direction, it is best to err on the side of generosity.

Sometimes there is an inner knowing that something is not right: ”The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 27:12

The Bible gives the answer: “…be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 This requires much wisdom from the Lord. Often people who have been Christians in a sheltered environment can be “as innocent as doves” but find it difficult to be “as shrewd as snakes.” That is why Jesus said, “…the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than the people of light.” Matthew 16:8

When we find that we have been deceived the natural tendency is to want to return deceit with deceit. Instead we are to be honest and open. We are to avoid the pitfalls of the devil, but allow God to repay evil done to us. Jesus was the perfect example. He knew what Judas was doing and was going to do, but He also knew God would repay Judas and would work everything out for good.

Christians should be sure that they are doing God’s will before seeking legal action when someone has been dishonest with them: “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints…The very fact that you have lawsuits among you prove that you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” 1 Corinthian 6:1, 7 God say:, “It is mine to avenge, I will repay…” Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19 God will repay those that are dishonest although, under the Lord’s leading; there can be a time to bring legal action against unbelievers.

An employee would not pay a Christian man for several months of work. The Christian took the case to the Workman’s Compensation and was awarded most of the money. This was justice being done.

We need to know what boundaries the Lord expects. The Lord works differently in different situations because He wants us to always consult Him; he wants us to continually fellowship with Him. God can use any circumstance for His glory, but our lives will be better and less agonizing if we know God well and can hear His voice concerning when to give and to lend and how to deal with those that have wronged us.

Each case is different and should be prayed about. There are basic principles, which may take time to learn. When we make mistakes just consider them part of the learning process.

One young mother was always borrowing essentials from others. Sometimes she paid them back, but I prayed about this irritating habit. Once I was talking to her about something else, and mentioned the verse: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 She said, “I shouldn’t be asking for bread, should I?” She wasn’t really asking my opinion—the Lord had just opened her eyes.
 

We need to know what boundaries the Lord expects. The Lord works differently in different situations because He wants us to always consult Him; he wants us to continually fellowship with Him. God can use any circumstance for His glory, but our lives will be better and less agonizing if we know God well and can hear His voice concerning when to give and to lend and how to deal with those that have wronged us.

Each case is different and should be prayed about. There are basic principles, which may take time to learn. When we make mistakes just consider them part of the learning process.

For instance, I decided not to lend money unless there is a real need. However,one man came to us because he needed a place to stay and had no money. However, he is an alcoholic and extremely dishonest.  If we let him stay at our home he would probably steal from us receiving a curse: “If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” Proverbs 17:13 He would tell other alcoholics that we allow them to stay at our home and they would always be here. We would enable him to keep up his sinful lifestyle: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 We neither gave him a place to stay or money, but we did offer him some food. He cursed us (which we were careful to pray against—curses are real) and refused the food saying he would just go rob someone at the bar. My husband was careful to treat him with respect although he tried to get us to swear at him and has treated him kindly. Also, we prayed for him. 

A girl stopped at our house, asking for money for milk for her baby. I quickly prayed, but the emotion of feeling I was being manipulated blocked out my hearing from God. However, He answered because not knowing what to do, I said, “Ask someone else.” After she had left the lady with me said, “Why couldn’t she have asked her relatives or friends?” It was probably because they knew how dishonest she was. Either God knew this was the best answer for both her and me, or He would have her go to someone else who really wanted to give: “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

It is usually is best not to ask for money back that you have loaned: “…lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” Luke 6:35 However, some people do not think you care about the money unless you ask for it back. These people should probably have never been loaned money in the first place and is somewhat like putting. Up security: “My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said…Go and humble yourself, press your plea with your neighbor…” Proverbs 6:1-5 You should not become angry when you have not received your money in such a case, considering it was by your own free will you loaned money. Either you did not pray about the situation and made the same mistake Joshua made when making a treaty with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9), or God wanted you to learn something from that mistake.

One time I was bothered because a Christian couple sold us something that they knew was defective. I had to write them a letter about another matter and just added that the item they sold us was unfixable. Then I forgot about the matter. Later, they sold us something at a reduced rate—exactly less the amount with which they had treated us unfairly, showing me that they were repentant. My being bothered, then forgetting about it after I had done one little thing, showed me that was what God wanted me to do.

Another time, it bothered me because a Christian friend had not returned the money she had borrowed. Finally, I asked her about the money. She had been waiting until she received the money she had worked for from a Christian organization, thinking when she received that it would remind her to pay us. That organization had forgotten to pay her. Since I was involved with them to some extent, I brought the matter to their attention. They paid her and she paid us.
The point is that each situation is different and needs the Lord’s direction.

* CHARGING INTEREST

One of the qualities of a person who may dwell in God’s sanctuary and live in His holy hill is someone who “lends his money without usury.” Psalm 15:1-5. Usury is “the lending of money at an extremely high or unlawful rate of interest” The World Book Encyclopedia.

Nehemiah confronts the nobles and officials for charging usury to their countrymen, some even had to go into slavery. It was not wrong to lend, only to demand usury: "…You are exacting usury from your own countrymen…What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop! Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging them–the hundred part of the money, grain, new wine and oil.” “We will give it back,” they said. “And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say. Nehemiah 5:7-12

Many times, the rules God gave His people, the Israelites, are rules He applies to Christians as well: “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest.” Exodus 22:25

Notice that the neighbor is very poor in the following passage. He needs money just to live. That is the person to whom we are to give or lend: "If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit.” Leviticus 25:35-37 

 We would not charge interest or sell food at a profit because we fear God. He made this rule. 
“Do not charge your brother interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.” Deuteronomy 23:19-29 We are not to charge fellow Christians interest. This would not apply if, for instance, we were working in a bank and had to charge interest to a fellow Christian. It is not our own money that we are loaning; it is the rules of the banking system that we are following.

"He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor." Proverbs 28:8 If one charges a large amount of interest, he will just be collecting it for someone of God’s own choosing who will be kind to the poor.

It appears that God would allow us to charge interest to a non-Christian: “You may charge a foreigner interest…” Deuteronomy 23:20 However, the laws of most countries prohibit individuals charging interest and God would not want us to disobey the laws of the land.

As the circumstances vary, so does the solution. Although He will not go against His basic principles, the Lord works through many circumstances. That is why we need the Lord’s direction and perhaps the advice of a wise friend or many counselors for each situation.

We should ask the Lord’s direction even when the answer seems obvious. Joshua won every battle except the battle against the city of Ai (Joshua 7:10-12) because he and the Israelites failed to ask the Lord. Also, the Gibeonites deceived him and the Israelites into making a treaty with them because Joshua did not inquire of the Lord (Joshua 9).

Though Joshua served God faithfully during his long life, he made mistakes by not praying continually ("pray continually" 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We will all make mistakes such as Joshua made. The important thing is to try to avoid them by studying God’s direct commands in the Bible, learning from the mistakes of others (often through examples given in the Bible) and learning from our own past mistakes. This will help us learn to hear God’s voice. We must be “…growing in the knowledge of God” Colossians 1:10. We should learn from mistakes but follow Paul’s example: “…Forgetting what is behind (not dwelling on or being discouraged by) and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

* BORROWING MONEY

One of the promises God gave the Israelites was: “For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none…” Deuteronomy 15:6 “…You will lend to many nations but borrow from none.” Deuteronomy 28:12 “He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him…” Deuteronomy 28:44 To be blessed is not to have to borrow money.

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 If we are righteous our children will not have to beg. Borrowing can be a form of begging. If we are putting God first in all circumstances, He will provide for our every need and we do not have to ask anyone for money: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

It is seldom necessary to be in debt, and we are commanded not to remain in debt: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8

"Believers should have no unpaid debts. This does not mean that we are prohibited from borrowing from others in case of serious need (cf. Ex 22:25; Ps 37:26; Mt 5:42, Lk 6:35). But it does speak against both going into debt for unnecessary things and showing an attitude of indifference in repaying debts (cf. Ps 37:21). The only debt from which there is no release is love for one another. ”Full Life Study Bible

It is best not to borrow money unless it is absolutely necessary and then return it as soon as possible buying only what we need until we have paid off our debts. Our attitude toward borrowed items should be that of one of the prophets in 2 Kings 6:1-7. When he lost the axhead he was using, he was more upset because it was borrowed than if it had been his own. He knew he would have to replace it if it was lost. In dealing with borrowed items, remember the principle: “…in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Having a mortgage on a house or a car is not the same as being in debt. The promise to pay at a certain time is part of an honest agreement. It is also part of the agreement that if we do not pay, our house or car can be taken from us. However, the interest we pay on such an agreement can be poor stewardship. Each case is different and the Lord’s direction should be sought.

“…The borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 When we borrow money from someone we are under obligation to them. “This should clearly define God’s attitude about borrowing from secular sources to do his work.” Financial Freedom by Larry Burkett (p. 30)

When facing financial difficulty, one thing to consider is if you owe anyone money. Often financial difficulty is the result of carelessness or dishonesty: “The wicked borrow and do not repay…” Psalm 37:21 God calls those who purposely do not repay what they borrow wicked and: “the income of the wicked brings them trouble.” Proverbs 15:6

Larry Burkett explains that it is our moral obligation to pay back even when we are forced to file bankruptcy. “There may be legal remedies to avoid creditors, such as bankruptcy, but there are no scriptural remedies.” Financial Freedom by Larry Burkett (p. 7)

* CONCLUSION

Would you be kind if you agreed to pay for the redecorating on Larry and Sue’s house if they could not pay? God always wants us to do the loving thing. Why does He warn us so strongly against doing something like this? Actually, if Larry and Sue never paid you back for what you had to pay if they defaulted, they would have a curse of financial poverty on them.

Should you loan Jim money for a new car? If he never paid you back, you would be poorer and he would be cursed financially (not because you cursed him! But because he is not obeying the Lord: "This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished." Zechariah 5:3).

Should you loan Anne money for food when she needs it? If it were her fault, lending her money would enable her to continue her sinful behavior. If it were not her fault, and you have the money and are not in debt yourself, God would be pleased if you did. In fact, you should lend without expecting anything in return. She might repay you, but if not, the Lord will.

Should you borrow money to buy a house? Ideally no, but if you need a place to live for your family and can afford the payments buying a house might be a wise investment.

Always ask the Lord: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 and know that He has promised to answer.

* QUESTIONS  

JUDAH AND TAMAR
1. What is a pledge? What is security? What pledge and security did Judah give Tamar?
2. Discuss the character of Judah.
3. Discuss the character of Tamar.
4. Why did Judah say he was more righteous than Tamar? What law did each of them break? What does this show us about the ways of God?
5. Of what significance were Tamar’s actions?

WARNINGS FROM SCRIPTURE
1. What does it mean to put up security?
2. What does Scripture say about putting up security?
3. Why do you think we might need to be warned six times about putting up security?
4. Discuss the consequences of putting up security to all parties involved.
5. What should someone do who has put up security?
6. Give examples from your own experience.

SCRIPTURAL DIRECTIONS IN THE USE OF PLEDGES
1. The Old Testament tells us not to go into the house of your neighbor get what he is offering as a pledge. Why do you think this law was made?
2. Can you think of a situation where a pledge and/or security would be necessary?

LENDING MONEY
1. Should we lend money according to the Word of God? Why or why not?
2. What experiences have you had and how do you explain them according to the Word of God? What did you learn from them?
3. What are some principles to help determine when to loan money?

CHARGING INTEREST
1. What is usury? Give examples of when it is used today.
2. Give examples of when interest is charged in business? Would these situations be all right according to the Word of God?
3. Can we charge interest on a personal loan? Why or why not?

BORROWING MONEY
1. Should we borrow money according to the Word of God? Why or why not?
2. Is it ever wise to borrow money? What have you learned from experience?
3. What should we do if we have borrowed money? 

* ESTHER 

Esther became the queen during the reign of King Xerxes. She did not reveal her Jewish nationality because Mordecai, her uncle who had raised her, had forbidden her to do so. When the wicked Hamaan persuaded the king to sign a law proclaiming a day to annihilate the Jews, Mordecai asked Esther to go before the king and plead for her people. Esther, through one of her servants, reminded Mordecai how dangerous this was because anyone who approached the king without being summoned would be put to death.

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer:
"’Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:12-14

This Scripture passage gives us much insight as to how God controls our lives. He had placed Esther in this position at this time because He knew what was going to happen. He gave her the choice whether to obey Him or not. The Jewish people would be spared whether Esther obeyed or not, but her obedience would determine her own destiny and the destiny of her family. God knew that Esther would obey, with Mordecai’s prompting, because He knows all things.

God has more control over our lives than is often realized:
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 and again, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24

God has the ability to bring prosperity to those who love Him:
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” Proverbs 3:1-2

God also has the ability to punish people who dishonor His Name in their money dealings:
“…the income of the wicked brings them punishment.” Proverbs 10:16
Riches meant nothing to Gehazi after he was punished with leprosy after being dishonest (2 Kings 5:19-27).
 

People would be more apt to consult with God about their finances if they realized how much control He has over money. If we follow His principles, we will usually be blessed financially.
Before we examine biblical principles of financial blessing, we must put financial blessing in the proper perspective.
 

• SPIRITUAL VS. FINANCIAL

In view of eternal values, it means nothing if we are blessed financially, but do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord:
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
Money will mean nothing when God pours out His wrath on the world:
“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath…” Proverbs 11:4
Riches will mean nothing on the day of God’s judgment. What difference will money make when
we stand before God?
“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” Hebrews 9:27

Our attitude should be the same as the Apostle Paul:
“…I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8
Material possessions are not to be compared with knowing Jesus Christ.

Someone asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. Jesus said:
“Man, who appointed me to be a judge or an arbiter between you…Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:14-15
Then Jesus told them a parable of a rich man who planned to build bigger barns in which to store his possessions while he took life easy:
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself.’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21

Although some Christians have suffered in this life, they were blessed and will be blessed in a way that is worth much more than financial blessing:

Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and floggings, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated–the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:35-40

Many people are in God’s perfect will yet have little control over their finances:
“…Has not God chosen those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?” James 2:5
In the end times the beast/antichrist will be “…given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them…” Revelation 13:7
Part of this persecution will involve the fact that:
“…no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark…” Revelation 13:17
Saints will not receive the mark of the beast (Revelation 14:9-12) so they will not be able to buy or sell at this time. God will provide all they need if they seek His kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33), but they will have to do without money.
The amount of money or possessions a person has is not a basis on which to judge spirituality. The church at Laodicea said:
“…I am rich and do not need a thing…” but Jesus said of them: “…you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17

However, money is a necessity in this world system. It is necessary because we are imperfect people. When we all become like Jesus (“For those the Lord foreknew he also predestined to become conformed to the likeness of his Son…” Romans 8:29), we won’t need money. In this present world money can be used for evil or good, foolishly or wisely. God’s Word tells us how to use money.

* WHY GOD OFTEN WANTS TO BLESS US FINANCIALLY

Money is one of the means with which God takes care of us, tests us and allows us to use our creativity:
“The wages of the righteous brings them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.” Proverbs 10:16
Money is like a key–a little thing, but when you need a key to get into your house it’s important. Money can open the door to blessing. God wants to bless His children financially, if we will use money for His glory. The finances He gives us or we give others can advance His kingdom:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  2 Corinthians 9:8-11

If others know why we are blessed financially, God will be glorified:
“The house of the righteous contains great treasure…” Proverbs 15:6
Our example can either honor or dishonor God:
“…Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:9
Some of His treasured creation will not be in Heaven with Him if we do not obey Him concerning money. Every little thing we do, for or against Jesus, has an eternal consequence:
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” Proverbs 10:22
Any money that God gives us will be a blessing to us and/or others:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Every gift that God gives us is good and perfect whether spiritual or financial.

* BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR FINANCIAL BLESSING

Following are basic biblical principles that usually bring financial blessing.
(1 If there were only one rule for financial blessing, it would be:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
We are not to worry because God has promised to take care of our needs (Matthew 6:25-34). We are to seek his kingdom and his righteousness as our first priority, and we will receive whatever we need to do His will (2 Corinthians 9:8-11).
Putting the will of God first implies obedience. Obedience to God brings blessing:
“The wicked earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” Proverbs 11:18

God has promised His children all we need, and He gives us so much more. We should be content:
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8

Sometimes God allows something to be taken away because we won’t be needing it any longer. For example, before David became king he ruled over the city of Ziklag in the land of the Philistines (1 Samuel 30). While he and his men were away, the Amalekites burned Ziklag and carried off the women and all who were in it. David and his men rescued the captives and what was taken as plunder. Ziklag had been burned. However, David didn’t need the town of Ziklag. In the course of time God called him to Hebron where he became king.
David could say, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 because he knew God would keep His promises to those who love Him. We love Him if we keep His commands (John 15:10 14; 1 John 5:2-4).

(2 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
We must ask God how to use our possessions, listen for His answers and obey. God wants us to ask and keep on asking:
“When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3
God will ignore our requests when we are asking selfishly:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…” Ephesians 6:18
If we are praying in the Spirit, we are conscious that we are talking to God–we should know if what we are asking is in His will. If we don’t know, we just have to wait for His answer:
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15

(3 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God." Exodus 23:19
“You must present as the Lord’s portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you.” Numbers `8:29
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Proverbs 3:9
Ten per cent (the tithe) of the money we earn or receive in any way (although God does not want money acquired by dishonest means) belongs to God. Tithing was not established under the Old Testament Law but 430 years earlier. It was a covenant connector or covenant token made with Abraham. Tithes are first mentioned in Genesis 14:17-24. Abraham gave a tenth of what he owned to God:
“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God most Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything…” Hebrews 7:1-2
This is the tithe we are commanded to return to God:
“Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who became priests to collect a tenth from the people…” Hebrews 7:5
We are to give our tithe to a local body of believers we feel God wants us to attend:
“‘I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting.’” Numbers 18:21

The local church is to tithe to their authority under God:
“Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.” Hebrews 18:26
Jesus reaffirmed the principle of tithing when He said:
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” Luke 11:42
“Justice and the love of God” is more important, but we should not leave "the former (tithing) undone”.
We are robbing God if we do not tithe. An offering is anything that we give beyond ten percent–something we want to give to God. We would be robbing God of offerings if we do not give Him the money we feel He wants us to give even if it goes beyond the tithe:

Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.’ But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ ‘In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse–the whole nation of you–because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,’ says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,’ says the Lord Almighty." Malachi 3:8-12

It is a serious thing to be robbing God. No wonder He won’t bless us financially, if we are robbing Him in the first place! Even a non-Christian who tithes is often blessed financially.
A consequence to the whole assembly of God’s people of not tithing is seen in Nehemiah 13:10-11. The Levites and singers responsible for the service in the house of the Lord had to go back to work; they had to support themselves so they were not free to minister to the people. Nehemiah corrected the situation by rebuking the officials and stationing the Levites at their posts. The people repented:
“All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and oil into the storehouses.” Nehemiah 13:12

We are to bring our tithes to the local church–"house of the Lord" Exodus 23:19, "storehouse" Nehemiah 13:12, Malachi 3:10. Our offerings (any money beyond our tithes that we wish to give to God) can go to any place we chose. Because we are to be good stewards of our money, we should pray that the money God has given us will be used wisely and then trust God to use His money the way He wants. We are to the best of our ability to put our money into the hands of responsible people who will use it wisely. Those people will be judged according to the way they spend the money entrusted to them. If they are deceitful or foolish in spending the money we give them, they will be held responsible.

There are people who give everything to God thinking that then He or others have to give back to them. Unless God tells us to do this, it can be very foolish and, perhaps, selfish. Others will have to care for us if we don’t take care of ourselves. If we give money away that we need to care for ourselves, then the person that gives to us is really the person doing the giving. And usually the person that gives expecting others to give to them gives foolishly.

(4 In order to be blessed financially our integrity and honesty should be beyond reproach:
“The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight.” Proverbs 11:1
“Abhors” means “to shrink away from with horror; feel disgust for; hate very, very much” The World Book Dictionary
God detests and abhors dishonest scales–the opposite of delighting in accurate weights:
"Differing weights and differing measures–the Lord detests them both.” Proverbs 20:10
The importance of the fact that God detests dishonesty is evidenced by repetition:
“The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.” Proverbs 20:23

If God detests dishonesty, we can be sure we will suffer just consequences because God controls the outcome of our money dealings.
God says to Israel:
“You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” Deuteronomy 25:15-16
If we want to be secure and blessed by God, we need to be honest.
 

He also says:
“Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches by unjust means. When his life is half gone, they will desert him, and in the end he will prove to be a fool.” Jeremiah 17:11
Money gained by unjust means will vanish, probably when it is most needed.
God can say such things as:
“…the income of the wicked brings them trouble.” Proverbs 15:6
The wicked include those who are dishonest with their money:
“The wicked borrow and do not repay…” Psalm 37:21

He gives us free choice in many areas, but determines the consequences of our choices:
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” Proverbs 21:6

First, God tells us that if we acquire money dishonestly, it will be a fleeting vapor:
“Ill-gotten treasures are of no value…” Proverbs 10:2
Without His help we will spend that money foolishly or God will not bless what we buy and it will decay quickly.

Second, money acquired dishonestly will in some way become a deadly snare to our family or us. We will receive the curses of disobedience: (Deuteronomy 28).
The Bible tells us what happens to dishonest money:
“Dishonest money dwindles away…” Proverbs 13:11
"Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice." Proverbs 16:8
Nothing acquired contrary to God’s laws will bring happiness:
“A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 28:20
Someone eager to get rich will not consider God in their decisions. They may even acquire much gain with injustice.
"A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice." Proverbs 17:23
God calls a person who accepts bribes wicked and greedy. He will pervert the course of justice bringing trouble to his family or to a nation:
"A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." Proverbs 15:27

The tenth commandment is:
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17
Coveting often leads to manipulation, deceit, lying or stealing. For example, trying to make a person feel guilty that they have something so they will give it to you is manipulation. Borrowing something and purposely not returning it is stealing.

However, there is a solution; God expects us to change:
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:18
The opposite of stealing is working to earn money so we will not only have enough for ourselves, but so we will have something to share.
“Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.” Proverbs 16:11
Honesty and treating others the way we want to be treated is God’s idea.

(5 We must be generous to receive the blessing of the Lord:
“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
David was an old man who had lived life acquiring wisdom by following God when he wrote:
"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely and their children are blessed." Psalm 37:25-26
The generous person and their children will always have their needs met.
 

In fact, withholding unduly can make one poor:
“A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.” Proverbs 28:22
If we are generous. We will receive all we need to give and so will give glory to God:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” (Psalm 112:9)
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

(6 Diligence and hard work bring financial blessing:
“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” Proverbs 10:4-5
It is important to teach our children diligence. My husband told our children that if they proved themselves as good workers, they would never be without a job.
 

Get rich quick schemes turn out to be get poor quick schemes. The way to acquire finances is to work hard and slowly build a profit:
“He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” Proverbs 12:11 (See also Proverbs 28:19).
We don’t usually get something for nothing. The Bible says:
“…If a man will not work he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10
In the same passage Paul tell us that if someone is getting their money by manipulation we are to be aware of this life style and not fellowship with such a person:
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.” 1 Thessalonians 3:6

“…He who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11
We make money grow little by little by working for it:
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23
"He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich." Proverbs 21:17
God gives us all things to enjoy, but they should not become overly important to us. If we buy luxuries we cannot afford, we will never be rich:
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." Proverbs 21:20
God wants us to have self-control; He wants us to have control of our possessions, under His direction.

The Bible says about the “wife of noble character” described in Proverbs 31:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” She is a wife that “sets about her work vigorously” so that she cares for her family, supports her husband and “opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Ruth (one of two women who has a book of the Bible named after her) is an example of a noble woman and one of her qualities was that she worked hard.

Our goal should be to lead a quiet life, minding our own business and doing honest work. This is what wins respect, not pretending to be important:
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you may not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." Proverbs 13:4
The way God usually blesses a person is by giving him work to do so he can pay his own expenses and provide for the needs of those who aren’t able to work.
 

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." Proverbs 22:29
A wise person will often take the time and expense of acquiring a skill. This takes patience, perseverance and often much sacrifice, maybe even long hours of work to earn the money for training. If this is what you feel God would have you do, you have chosen a noble course.
 

We are not supposed to waste our resources. When Jesus fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14, Mark 14, Luke 9, John 6):
“…the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”
When He fed 4,000 (Matthew 15, Mark 8):
“…The disciples picked up seven basketfuls of pieces that were left over.”
Jesus did not allow what was left over to be wasted. 
 

Be wise in spending your money. If you buy only what you need, unless the Lord directs you otherwise, you will not spend money that you either do not have or should go to others. Then you will not spend time buying, time and money repairing, time and effort finding a storage place, worry about thieves stealing or time, effort and worry getting possessions back from a borrower.
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5 
And take care of what you have:
"The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions." Proverbs 12:27

(7 The best protection is to make sure you have THE LORD’S DIRECTION when you loan or give money:
"…Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Some people will try to manipulate money from God’s people:
“The leech has two daughters.  ‘Give!  Give!’ they cry.” Proverbs 30:15
Although God will care for His faithful servants even if money is taken from them, and although he will punish those taking the money, much money that could be used to further the kingdom of God is wasted. We have to be wise stewards of our money.
False teachers “…think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” 1 Timothy 6:5 and “…they are experts in greed…” 2 Peter 1:14
Carefully following God’s wisdom will protect you from false teachers:
“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.” Proverbs 2:12-15

Loaning or giving money to members of God’s family requires special discernment. New Christians might need help financially, but a mature Christian should stop asking and start giving:
“…Speaking the truth in love…” Ephesians 4:15 is the best way to handle difficult situations.
If in doubt, do the generous thing. Someone might be manipulating you out of money, but the Bible says:
“…the income of the wicked brings them trouble.” Proverbs 15:6b
They get a little money that will bring them trouble. You get wisdom (if you learn from your mistake) that will last for eternity.

(8 We need to praise the Lord. Instead of focusing on what we do not have, we need to focus on what we do have:
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income…” Ecclesiastes 5:10
It is interesting to consider that if you do not think you have enough money, you may be giving money too high a priority in your life.
Paul was content no matter what:
“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 3:11
He knew the secret of being content:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12
What was his secret?
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
He knew that God was taking care of him and would give him just what he needed and the strength to have victory in every situation.
 

It is a wonderful blessing when we have reached the stage of being content in every situation:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
God wants us to know Him that well:
 

* CONCLUSION

There are many more Scriptures that support each of these Biblical principles. If we remember that spiritual blessing is much more important than financial blessing, if we put God and His kingdom first, if we pray for direction concerning our money, if we tithe and are honest, generous, diligent and wise, we have done our part in acquiring the financial blessing of God.

If you are doing these things and are still having a difficult time financially keep doing them: 
“…He who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11
You need perseverance–if you are doing everything right–just keep doing it.

Remember the uncertainty and relative unimportance of money:
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone, they will surely sprout wings and fly off in the sky like an eagle.” Proverbs 23:4-5

Money, although not evil of itself, is part of the world system. God uses money to test our hearts and to further His kingdom. God owns: “…the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10 He is able to give money to anyone He chooses.
God’s love is much more important than financial blessing. If we had nothing we could still rejoice in Him. Even if the world were falling apart we could trust Him to provide whatever we need:
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:17-19

* QUESTIONS

ESTHER
1. How did Esther obey God?
2. What relationship did Esther have to Mordecai? What influence did he have on her life?
3. Why would obedience have been difficult for Esther?
4. What did Esther show by calling a fast? What were the results of this fast?
5. Discuss the irony shown in this story.
6. What would have happened if Esther had not obeyed?
7. How much control did God have over Esther’s life?
8. What does this show about God’s control over our money?. How does God use money?
9. How can the story of Esther encourage us?

SPIRITUAL VERSES FINANCIAL
1. Why would it mean very little if we were blessed financially but not spiritually?
2. Give an example of someone that is blessed spiritually but not financially.
3. In the end time the beast/antichrist will control money? How will this effect Christians?
4. How does being blessed financially relate to being blessed spiritually? Is being blessed financially any indication of being obedient? Give spiritual references or examples to support your answer.

WHY GOD OFTEN WANTS TO BLESS US FINANCIALLY
1. Why does God often want to bless us financially?
2. What are we supposed to do with the money God has given us? Give examples.
3. How has God’s financial blessing to others blessed you spiritually? Give examples.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR FINANCIAL BLESSING
1. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 Discuss why this verse has all the advice we need for financial blessing?
2. What does asking God show since He already knows what we need?
3. Why should we tithe?
4. Where should we tithe? What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
5. Why do we need to be honest to achieve financial blessing?
6. The generous man is blessed. Give examples from the Bible or from personal experience.
7. We are to be diligent. Discuss practical ways to save money.
8. Sometimes the Lord lets us make mistakes in order to learn to know His ways. Do you have any experiences to relate? How can we get to know His voice?
9. "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Why can we do this?  

We have to be patient with each other while God is changing us. We expect God to forgive us and help us change. That is what we should do for others. None of us know all the answers, but hopefully we will learn from each other.

Our false beliefs regarding the use of money can be one of the last ways we change. Often our dealings with money demonstrate our maturity as a Christian. My professor of Christian Ethics used this illustration, “Some people think it is wrong to buy and sell on Sundays so when someone has a book, tape or CD to sell after a special service, they take them saying they will pay later. They never pay. In other words, they think it was wrong to buy and sell on Sunday, but not to steal on Sunday.”

How many of us are that way. We don’t always see clearly to do the right thing concerning our money. Satan’s greatest weapon is lies and deception. We need to know the truth about any given situation to come against those lies.
That is why this book was written. Hopefully, you can add to each point. We are all learning so please forgive me if you feel I don’t see something clearly. That is why so much Scripture is quoted in this book. Only God knows everything and we should draw from God’s knowledge as much as possible.

The wisdom of God is limitless. He has promised to give us wisdom when we ask (Luke 11:11-13; James 1:5-8). To acquire wisdom on a subject: Seek wise counsel (“He who walks with the wise grows wise…” Proverbs 13:20 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22), study His word and live His truth: “…who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14 “I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” Psalm 119:100 
 

* CORRIE LEARNS OF CURSED MONEY

Corrie ten Boone’s family were put in a Nazi concentration camp during World War 2 because they were hiding Jews in their home. Only Corrie survived the camp, and she later traveled, speaking about her experiences. She wrote several books. The following  experience she recorded in In My Father’s House:

Casper ten Boom, Corrie’s father, a watchmaker, has received a very well dressed man into their shop who is about to buy an expensive watch. The ten Booms are very poor and a large bill is overdue. Corrie thinks this is an answer to prayer. She even imagines herself paying the overdue bill and being relieved of the burden she had been carrying the past few weeks.

Then the buyer tells how he had been the customer of a watchmaker who had died. He purchased a watch from the son who had taken over the business. He had returned the watch several times to be repaired and finally decided to buy another watch someplace else.

Casper ten Boom asks to see the watch. He repairs it and offers to repair any other watch the customer buys from the son of the former watchmaker saying that the young man has had a difficult time in the trade without his father.

Corrie is horrified. It seems her father has refused the money they so desperately needed.
Her father answers, “Corrie, what do you think that young man would have said when he heard that one of his good customers had gone to Mr. ten Boom? Do you think that the name of the Lord would be honored? There is blessed money and cursed money. Trust the Lord. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He will take care of us.” In My Father’s House by Corrie ten Boom; Fleming H. Revel Co., 1975, p. 115-116.

How many of us would react like Corrie did? However, what her father answered is what the Lord would have answered. If the young man had heard that one of his good customers had gone to Mr. Ten Boom he would have become discouraged, distrustful and it would have started a spirit of competition. How far our standards have fallen from the Lord’s standards!

* WHAT IS CURSED MONEY?

“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.” Psalm 37:21-22 This sentence is divided by a semi-colon. A part of a sentence on one side of a semicolon means basically the same thing as the part of the sentence on the other side. The wicked are cursed and the righteous are blessed. The wicked are defined in this instance by the way they handle money. Notice what will happen because of the way they handle money. They will be cursed.

There is blessed money and there is cursed money: “The wages of the righteous bring them life but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.” Proverbs 10:16 Blessed money brings life; cursed money brings punishment.
Blessed money comes from God and glorifies God. It is usually acquired through work: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

What is cursed money? It is any money acquired or withheld that does not honor God: “…Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:9 It will bring trouble: “…the income of the wicked brings them trouble.” Proverbs 15:6

The wicked, in this case, is anyone that behaves wickedly: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7 Even if we believe in God’s Son and our sins have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ, we will still reap the consequences of our sin: “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.” Colossians 3: 25

A Christian couple stole money to buy Christmas gifts for their sons. Their sons who had accepted Jesus as their Savior as children are now selling drugs. Did they learn that Jesus is not enough for Christmas, but money is? The money the couple stole became cursed money and brought harm and not joy to their family. Because of the general attitude that money is more important than Jesus, the children now deal in cursed money instead of blessed money:
“Differing weights and differing measures–the Lord detests them both.” Proverbs 20:10 God detests dishonesty. “The Lord abhors dishonest scales…” Proverbs 11:1 The Lords abhors dishonesty.

Several passages show that the Lord curses the thief: “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.” Psalm 37:21-22 Notice the semicolon between the two phrases. This means that the phrases on one side of the semicolon have almost the same meaning as those on the other side. The same thing is stated in two phrases for emphasis and added detail. In this sentence the wicked are contrasted with the righteous. The righteous give generously and are blessed by the Lord to inherit the land. The wicked borrow and do not repay and are cursed by the Lord or cut off (which means the death penalty according to Old Testament law).

Another example of the curse that the Lord puts on the thief is in Zechariah 5. Zechariah see a flying scroll in a vision and an angel explains to him, “This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished. The Lord Almighty declares, ‘I will send it out and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely in my name. It will remain in his house and destroy it, both its timbers and its stones.’” Zechariah 5:3-4  God will use demonic spirits (2 Chronicles 18:22).

Anything we acquire dishonestly is cursed money and is of no value: “Ill-gotten treasures are of no value…” Proverbs 10:2 Who does God detest? “Do not have two differing weights in your bag–one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house–one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God has given you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” Deuteronomy 25:15-16 God detests anyone who deals dishonestly!

Money acquired because of greed will bring trouble. Greed is defined as “the quality of wanting more than one’s share…covetousness” The World Book Dictionary. This was one of the sins for which Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees, “Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” Matthew 23:25 (Luke 11:39) Later Jesus said, “…Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 Then Jesus told a story about a rich fool who decided to build bigger barns to store his crops even though that night his life would be demanded from him.

Paul defines greed in Colossians 3:5: “…greed, which is idolatry.” Greed is serving the idol of Money. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 (Luke 16:13)

Money acquired through bribes is cursed money: “A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret…” Proverbs 17:23

Money acquired through gambling is cursed money: “He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” Proverbs 12:11 This verse implies that he who chases fantasies will not have abundant food–in other words lack food or even be poor. Chasing fantasies is gambling–certain forms of it are very common. For instance, my daughter received a form in the mail where she was to scratch out a ticket in order to win a prize. She did and it said she won. Her college roommates were excited and decided to help pay for the phone call to receive the prize. When Jill called, she had to wait a long time while a woman slowly went over many winning numbers. Finally, she realized there was no prize. The phone call cost the girls several dollars.Hopefully, the girls learned an important lesson: “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15 (see also Proverbs 22:3, 27:12)

We are not supposed to even want what men have acquired dishonestly. This includes any money won from gambling: “The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.” Proverbs 12:12

Even to be associated with someone who acquires cursed money can bring trouble: “The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify.” Proverbs 29:24

God wants us to work for our money: “…’If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Work is an honorable way to use our time. God worked six days and rested one when He made the world—to work six days (though not necessarily for money) and rest one is our example. And what good training for our children to work along side of us! When we acquire money through work, we feel fulfilled and are apt to spend it wisely: “…He who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11

“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:2 Poverty comes to the lazy: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:10

“The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:3 Gambling is to want something for nothing. It is illogical to think we would win (except for someone skilled in deceit, for instance, someone skilled at the card game of Poker).

A DECK OF CARDS–The Gospel Standard, Vol. 40, No. 11, May 1991
“The first deck of cards was made for Charles of France in the year 1392. King Charles was an insane man. It is not generally known by card players that cards have a secret meaning, but after the following statements were made public, the members of the gambling fraternity of professional gamblers declared that they are absolutely true. The King card represents the enemy of God, the devil. The ten spot represents the spirit of lawlessness and is in direct opposition to the Ten Commandments of the Bible. Closely associated with the ten spot is the Club card. When cards were invented the club was the weapon of the murderer. In those days there were no revolvers or machine guns. The Club card stands for murder. The Jack represents the lustful libertine who lives on the gains of the prostitutes. It represents the moral leper. There is a game of cards called “the brothel game” in which the players use the secret obscene language of the cards and converse with each other merely by dropping a card. Now we come to the part that is even more shockingly wicked. The Queen card represents the Virgin Mary, the mother of our Lord. In the secrets of cards she is called the mother of harlots. The Joker in card language represents our Lord Jesus Christ. Joker means fool! Jesus Christ is held up by the card players as a fool. And if this is not bad enough yet, the secret language of a deck of cards goes further and declares that Jesus (the Joker card) is the offspring of a lustful Jack and the Queen Mother Mary. And there you have the true meaning of a deck of so called innocent playing cards.

Even if we did not know this about playing cards, we should observe that they are often used in gambling. Any form of gambling is wrong and the money received from gambling is cursed money.

For instance, God does not want us to give Him any money acquired through winning the lottery. It is cursed money. People have to be “lucky” in order to win. Much more money has to come in to hold a lottery than can go out.
However, if we receive money that has been won in the lottery, not knowing where it came from, it is not cursed money for us. This principle is discussed in 1 Corinthians 10: “If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if anyone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience’ sake–the other man’s conscience, I mean, not yours…” 1 Corinthians 10:27-29

Money is neither good nor bad in itself. Whether or not it is cursed depends on if it has been acquired in a way acceptable to God. If we knowingly accept money that is acquired through gambling, we are setting a bad example for believers and unbelievers. Believers who do not know what God says on this subject may be tempted to do the same thing; their understanding will be darkened by the sin of others. Unbelievers will either think it is right or know that it is wrong, but in either case, they will not clearly understand the gospel because they see those that have the truth living a lie: “A greedy man brings trouble to his family…” Proverbs 15:27 Many families of gamblers live in poverty or go without some basic needs. Certainly, they go without the blessings God wants for them.“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” Psalm 1:1

Another form of greed is to work at a job that is legally, but not ethically or morally right, such as selling tobacco products or working in a bar. “Avoid every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 It is possible that a new believer might think that God would have them work at such a job to tell others about Jesus. But how can we show Jesus to someone when we are being hypocritical–saying one thing and doing another–doing what Jesus would not do? God will quickly tell someone who is doing this that it is not His will. If a person keeps doing this, greed or a lack of trust that God will provide necessities is the motive.

Even if what we are doing something we feel God would allow, if it causes someone else to sin, it is wrong. Paul explains this principle in these passages: “For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 “…Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” Romans 14:13

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common…” Corinthians 6:14-17 We should not enter into a business partnership with an unbeliever, even though it appears advantageous. Earnestly pray before even making this arrangement with a believer! It could be that greed is influencing our ability to hear from God.

Greed was (and is) a common practice of false teachers. Peter warns us: “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up…they are experts in greed…” 2 Peter 3:14 That is why Paul assures the Thessalonians that neither he nor his companions ministered to them because of greed: “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed–God is our witness.” 1 Thessalonians 2:5

Money acquired through prostitution and, in fact, any money associated with prostitution, will bring trouble. It is cursed money: “No Israelite man or woman is to become a temple prostitute. You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.” Deuteronomy 23:17-18 When God detests a sin, the money acquired from that sin is detestable to Him.

“…But a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.” Proverbs 29:3 An example of this is the younger son in a parable Jesus told (Luke 15:11-32).

Money acquired because a person neglects to pay a debt is cursed and will bring trouble: “The wicked borrow and do not repay…” Psalm 37:21 Not paying the money we owe, thinking we will give it to God instead, would be condemned by Jesus just as He condemned the Pharisees in Mark 7:9-13. The Pharisees were saying that a man could give his money to the church instead of taking care of his father and mother. They were going against the express will of God: “Honor your father and mother” Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16 and “Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.” Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9

Not repaying borrowed money is the same as stealing. It can be worse than stealing depending on the circumstances, such as purposely not paying back money to someone who is loaning money to be kind. That is paying back evil for good and will bring a curse on a person’s family that will last forever unless the sin is confessed and there is repentance and restitution: “If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” Proverbs 17:13
Money acquired through exploiting the poor is cursed money. The wicked forget that God sees everything and justice will be done eventually: “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” Proverbs 22:22

God speaks through the prophet Micah about the northern kingdom of Israel just before it was captured by the Assyrians: “Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. Therefore, the Lord says: ‘I am planning disaster against this people…” Micah 2:1-3

God sees everything they are doing and is planning disaster because of their many sins. Sometimes we think since there does not seem to be consequences God does not see. He does!
Manipulation is the use of misleading evidence with the intent to control, deceive or harm. It involves the testing of wills: “A perverse man does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.” Proverbs 17:20 Money acquired because of manipulation is cursed and brings trouble.

A person who is always trying to get something for his or her own advantage usually uses manipulation often: “The leech has two daughters, ‘Give! Give!’ they cry.” Proverbs 31:15 God calls this person a leech!

Sometimes begging is a form of manipulation and then the money is cursed. Begging is not necessarily sin or the direct result of sin. When His disciples asked Jesus if a man was born blind because of his sin or his parent’s sin, Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned…but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” John 9:3. However, God can keep the children of the righteous from needing to beg: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” Psalm 37:25-26

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” Proverbs 28:27 Money withheld instead of being used to honor the Lord will bring a curse:  “A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.” Proverbs 28:22

Robbing God of His money will bring a curse:
“‘Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, “How do we rob you?” In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse–the whole nation of you–because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house…” Malachi 3:8-10 If we do not tithe (ten percent of our income) or give offerings (what we feel God wants us to give) we are robbing God! We put ourselves under a curse. If we tithe God will bless the money we give Him in such a way that we will have much more than if we had not tithed. Malachi continues: “’Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in the field will not cast their fruit,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Then all the nations will call you blessed for yours will be a delightful land,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi 3:10-12

However He does it, we will be blessed if we tithe and cursed in some way if we do not tithe.
* CONSEQUENCES OF CURSED MONEY

Some ways in which money can bring trouble:
(1 Addictions: “For the Lord is a God of retribution; he will repay in full. I will make her officials and wise men drunk, her governors, officers and warriors as well …” Jeremiah 51:56-57 Drunkenness can be a curse from God: “…’This is what the Lord God says: I am going to fill with drunkenness all who live in the land…” Jeremiah 13:13

Many drunkards or drug dealers acquire most of their money through manipulation or other forms of dishonesty. Any money that a person acquires dishonestly will bring him harm. The following verse gives this principle: “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” Proverbs 21:6 Drunkenness or drug addiction can be the “deadly snare” stemming from “a fortune made by a lying tongue.” A person will spend the money made by dishonestly in a way that will bring him great harm; he brings a curse on himself because of dishonest dealings. The Word of the Lord has to be fulfilled.

“The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the Lord’s wrath will fall into it.” Proverbs 22:14 This verse shows that adultery and its consequences can sometimes be a punishment from the Lord. Adultery might arise from the addiction to pornography. This addictive process can begin because a person has acquired money in a way displeasing to the Lord, although this is not the primary cause for this sin.

“…The unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.” Proverbs 11:6 Acquiring cursed money is evidence of unfaithfulness to God, and it can be a means of receiving just consequences of that unfaithfulness. People can backslide into sin because of acquiring cursed money. This passage also tells us which comes first: unfaithfulness comes before evil desires.

Their addictions cause more and more poverty and trouble: “…for drunkards and gluttons become poor…” Proverbs 23:21

(2 Not having basic needs met: “the wicked have their fill of trouble.” Proverbs 12:21 Wickedness is almost always associated with cursed money.

When trouble comes upon the righteous, it is for their good: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” in order for them to be “…conformed to the image of his Son…” Romans 8:28-29 Believers receive trouble only when it will purify them or bring them closer to God (Job), although they can receive trouble because of lack of prayer (even this trouble causes them to pray). If people who have accepted Jesus acquire something through cursed money, that money will bring them trouble with the hoped for end result of repentance. Perhaps they will never repent of that particular sin and many will suffer. “…The way of the unfaithful is hard.” Proverbs 13:15 It is very dangerous not to repent of a known sin.

The unbeliever will not grow into the image of Jesus because of trouble. They are not “…marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13

(3 Foolish spending and wasteful behavior: “Dishonest money dwindles away but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11 People who do not do honest work for their money often spend it carelessly and treat their possessions carelessly: “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Proverbs 21:20 The wise will carefully spend their money and carefully use their possessions. “He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.” Proverbs 21:17 The foolish will buy what they want when they want it with no self-control. “…The diligent man prizes his possessions.” Proverbs 12:27 When we work honestly for our possessions we will be more apt to take care of them.

(4 Poor choices: People that acquire money against the will of God cannot ask God to help them make wise decisions. They spend money foolishly: “He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty.” Proverbs 22:16 Even their giving will not be directed by God. What they give away often is to those who spend it foolishly or on evil. The consequence is poverty.

“A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.” Proverbs 17:18 Although people who put up security for their neighbors are not necessarily dishonest, they are lacking in the judgment God could have given them. This could be a consequence of people who have been dishonest and therefore cannot see clearly to avoid this trap. They are trapped by what they say, ensnared by the words of their mouth (Proverbs 6:2).

(5 Loss of health: “…envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 Envy is a form of greed. Any sin can bring sickness to the body as David found out: “…let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.” Psalm 51:8-9 Health is a reward for obedience just as sickness can be a punishment for disobedience. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8

(6 Rebellious children: “If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” Proverbs 17:13 Rebellious children are a specific consequence of returning evil for good. Greed is idolatry: “…greed, which is idolatry…” Colossians 3:5 Idolatry is putting something before God: “You shall not make for yourself an idol…for, I am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me…” Exodus 20:4.5 This verse shows that greed means hatred toward God and children of the greedy will suffer.

(7 Loss of friends: People lose trust in those people who steal from them or never repay what they borrow and it is difficult to regain trust: “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” Proverbs 18:19

(8 Loss of respect: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1, “A man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9, Integrity means uprightness or honesty:  “…the name of the wicked will rot.”  Proverbs 10:7

(9 Loss of position: Disobedience can alter the plan God has for each life. Saul, the first king of Israel, lost the position God had given him because of the love of money. Samuel, God’s prophet, had told him he was to totally destroy the Amalekites, a people who had waylaid the Israelites on their way to the land God had promised them. Instead Saul spared Agag, the king, and the best of the sheep and cattle. His conscience was so seared that he told Samuel he had done what the Lord instructed, telling him he had kept the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to God. Samuel replied:

(10 Loss of spiritual authority: God told the Israelites to COMPLETELY destroy Jericho. One man, Achan, disobeyed. He hid a robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold in his tent. When the Israelites lost their next battle against the small town of Ai, Joshua fell before the Lord in great discouragement:: “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies…” Joshua 7:10-12 One man’s sin had affected the power of the whole nation to defeat their enemies. In order to have spiritual power, we must live holy lives.

(11 Loss of life: Achan, who had coveted and stolen what was devoted to God, he, his family and all his possessions were destroyed (Joshua 7).

Proverbs 1 tells about evil men who purposely steal (and often kill in the process). They will be paid back the way they have treated others:  “Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away those who get it.” Proverbs 1:19

Just after the beginning of the church, many Christians were selling their land and houses and giving the money to the church. This was a completely voluntarily act of worship. Ananias and Sapphira pretended that they gave all the money acquired from selling a piece of property, but instead kept some of the money. Recognition and money were more important to them than God. As Peter said, “…You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:4 They died instantly for their sin.

(12 Keeping others from turning to God: This is probably the most common and the most tragic consequence. An example of this is found in Judges 8:22-27. Gideon had been greatly used of God to defeat a huge force of the enemy. When the people want him to rule, he wisely refuses, knowing that God should be their ruler. But he has one request—that each man give him an earring from their share of the plunder taken from their enemies. A huge amount was given to him: “Gideon made the gold into an ephod (“Sometimes a holy garment associated with the priesthood (Exodus 28:6-30; 39:2-26; Leviticus 8:7), at other times a pagan object associated with idols (Judges 17:5; 18:14, 17)” NIV Study Bible), which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” Judges 8:27 Greedy people can destroy themselves, their family and many others by turning from the God that could give them everything they need.

(13 Seared conscience: “Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:2 Judas had been stealing so long that he was no longer convicted when he sold the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver. He could even betray Jesus while pretending to show affection: “but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48

* THE CURSE OF NO TITHING

God put a curse on the whole nation of Israel because they did not tithe:
““I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.” Malachi 3:6-12

It seems God’s people were feeling it was no longer necessary to tithe. To this God says, “I the Lord do not change”. He goes on to imply they should be thankful He does not change because otherwise they would be destroyed! He always was and always will be merciful and forgiving—but He always expects obedience.

They didn’t seem to realize, that they had turned away from God. By not tithing, they were showing that they had turned away from His decrees.

To not tithe is not simply giving God ten percent of our money—it is not giving God His money! To not tithe is robbing God of His money!

To tithe assures that “there may be food in my house”. Today, that would probably mean so there is enough money to do God’s work. Withholding the tithe means that God won’t have all the money He needs to get His work done!

God will do all He was planned to do, and yet, our disobedience limits the amount of good accomplished in our lives. Mordecai’s words to Esther when she hesitated in asking the King to spare the lives of her people help explain:
“When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14 Deliverance would come to the Jews even if she disobeyed, but she and her family would perish. Perhaps if we disobey God, someone close to us will perish.

Withholding the tithe is not the most serious sin, but any sin can affect our relationship with God and hearing His voice. And if the tithe is withheld, that money will be wasted and even be cursed.

God says to “test me in this”. He will “throw open the floodgates of heaven” and there will be “so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it”. He will protect us in big and little ways.

Before I was married I tithed at one time. I was not completely serving the Lord, even at that time, and later when I changed jobs, I forgot about tithing. After I had been married a few years, I came back to loving and serving the Lord. We were living in Montreal where I had started attending a wonderful church so our son Scott could hear about Jesus. Jim had not accepted the Lord. I told the Lord that I would tithe, but Jim made the money and was the head of the house, so He would have to get it from Jim.

Shortly after that, Jim accepted the Lord and started giving fifty percent of our money for a short time because there was a special project at church. I wondered if we could afford this!

Not long after, we moved to Nova Scotia where we rented a hobby farm for less than half price. Jim was to watch it until the wealthy owner decided to return, which turned out to be nine years. God gave us more than the fifty percent we had given Him! And He has continued to do this for us,

A lady on welfare decided to give ten percent of her money to the church. She could only give $30. But that same week a couple felt prompted by God to give her $40! She didn’t understand the significance of this because she rarely attends church today and doesn’t tithe. But I remember, but it is such a clear and simple example of the blessings of tithing.

Will the little bit we give mean anything? When Jesus planned to feed five thousand mean plus women and children. He asked His disciples what they had. Andrew answered::
“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” John 6:9 Barley was less expensive than wheat and so was eaten by the poor people. The boy gave what he had.

Jesus commended the poor widow woman for giving to the corrupt religious system:
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” Mark 12:41-43 Luke 21:1-3 Jesus say her heart—she was giving all she had to God.

Tithing was begun by Abraham, a friend of God and a man of great faith. Abraham must have had some understanding of whom Melchizedek was, to give him a tenth of the spoils. He knew that he was giving the tithe to God. By giving God a tithe, he showed how much he loved God. Tithing shows how much we love God:

Melchizedek came out to meet Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tithe of the spoils of his victory:
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:18-20

Near the end of the Bible Melchizedek and his relationship with Abraham and Jesus is explained:
“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.” Hebrews 7:1-10 Abraham met Melchizedek before the Law which required “the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people”. Tithing was required before the Law was given.

After the vision of God’s renewed covenant, Jacob initiates a covenant with God vowing to give a tithe of what he receiveds from the promised land:
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” Genesis 28:20-22

The specifications of the tithe is introduced into the law of Moses:
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the LORD. No one may pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If anyone does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.” Leviticus 27:30-33

The tithe is dedicated to the Levites for the work in the tabernacle:
“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.” Numbers 18:21

God gives instructions for what to do with the tithe once Israel crosses the Jordan:
“But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks… to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD.” Deuteronomy 12:5-11

God gives instructions on how to disperse and exchange the tithe:
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always. But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the LORD your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the LORD will choose to put his Name is so far away), then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice. And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own.
At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 14:22-29

God gives instructions on how Israel should sanctify the tithes before they can ask for a blessing:
“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the LORD your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them. I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while I was in mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor have I offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything you commanded me. Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Deuteronomy 26:12-15

The children of Israel do what’s right under the reign of Hezekiah, and bring the tithes to the designated places:
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the LORD their God, and they piled them in heaps. They began doing this in the third month and finished in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the LORD and blessed his people Israel.
Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the LORD has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.”
Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the LORD, and this was done. Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts…” 2 Chronicles 31:5-12

Israel obeys God and brings the tithes to the storehouse:
“We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.
“As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.
“Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and olive oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work. A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury.  The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and olive oil to the storerooms, where the articles for the sanctuary and for the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the musicians are also kept.
“We will not neglect the house of our God.” Nehemiah 10:37-39

Officers were appointed to watch over the tithes in the storehouse:
“At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites.  They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the musicians and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. So in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the musicians and the gatekeepers. They also set aside the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.” Nehemiah 12:44-47

Nehemiah cleanses the storehouse and kick Tobiah out of the room that was designated to store the title. He then restores order:
“Before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God. He was closely associated with Tobiah, and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil prescribed for the Levites, musicians and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests.
But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense.
I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and musicians responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. So I rebuked the officials and asked them, “Why is the house of God neglected?” Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.
All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil into the storerooms.” Nehemiah 13:4-12

The blessings of tithing are promised by Solomon, the wisest of men. We are to give the “firstfruits”. God expects our best:
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

God commands Israel to bring back the tithe and reiterates the curse that is upon them if they don’t:
“Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years.” Amos 4:4

Jesus made it clear that the tithe was to continue. He even said to the unbelieving religious leaders:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Matthew 23:23 This statement of Jesus also shows that tithing is less important than “justice, mercy and faithfulness”. Tithing without “justice, mercy and faithfulness” means nothing.

“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” Luke 11:42 This verse is probably spoken on the same occasion as the verse in Matthew, but it does help make the meaning plain. It shows that the “love of God” is the same as “mercy and faithfulness”. It also makes it clear that tithing is still required: “without neglecting the former (tithing)” and “without leaving the former (tithing) undone”.

A Pharisee brags about his obedience to the law and tithing:
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ Luke 18:12 This shows that tithing for our own glory means nothing. We should give our tithe out of a graceful heart:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Paul gave this command concerning tithing:
“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” 1 Corinthians 16 1-2 This command is for the church (Galatians churches). It is taken at the time the church usually meets (“the first day of every week”). It concerns a percentage of money as the tithe does (“set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income”).

We are not required to meet “the first day of every week”:
“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:5-8

Some say this verse suggests that we are supposed to decide ourselves what to give, and we don’t need to tithe to the Church. But the tithe is God’s money! What we give beyond that is not to be given “under compulsion”.

Some also say that under the New Covenant all our money is God’s. Actually, in a sense it always was:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 This verse again says that God “does not change”. God made clear in Malachi 3 and Jesus reaffirmed in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 that a certain percent of the money we acquire is His.

The Bible implies that the tithe should go to our local Church (the body of local Christians to whom a person belongs) and gifts wherever we want, hopefully with God’s leading. Then we should pray and work so that our church will spend money for God’s glory. God is more apt to get the glory when we give to the church. For instance, if an unbeliever receives something from the church, he is more apt to think he has received it from God than if he received it from an individual.
1 Corinthians 16 1-2 also shows that if we aren’t attending a church for a time, we can save it for when we do:  “saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”

We should attend a local church:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

However, if no Church is available, consider that ten per cent of your money is God’s and seek His guidance as to how He wants it spent. In fact, all of us should do that with all our money.

We do have freedom in choosing how to give. Even though we are the Church if we believe in Jesus, we chose what local Church body to which we will belong. A healthy Church body is to have leaders of integrity. If we do not quite agree with how they are spending Church money we can designate how we want our money spent, pray that our leaders will change or for new leadership and wait for God’s answer or leave that particular Church body (in rare cases).

In speaking about leaders of integrity, I feel that leaders of the Church and especially the pastor, need to tithe. If the pastor refuses to tithe, the whole church is cursed, at least financially.

We can always pray for God’s money to be spent wisely, and know that He will answer:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6 It is His money, and He is very capable of using it wisely.

At one time in Nova Scotia Jim and I belonged to a Church where the pastor was either a wolf in sheep’s clothing or not right with the Lord. He wanted to return to South Africa which was his home to start “Mission Impossible”. At a going away banquet at the church, many Christians were giving him money. Jim and I (and several others) knew that he was not right with God. I remember thinking, “I don’t understand why you are allowing this but this is your money God.”

He did receive plenty of money to return to South Africa, but when things did not work out as expected he wanted to return. Those who would have given him money to return were counseled not to respond. We got rid of a divisive, ungodly pastor with God’s money! Christians were giving money to God in good conscience, and God was using it as He saw fit.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:14-19 God is speaking through Paul. Our giving is “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” which will be credited to our account.

God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and doesn’t need our money:
“I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.” Psalm 50:9-11 Money is neither good nor bad–just a tool in bartering. It’s important in that how we use it shows our love for God and for others.

Spirit-led giving is ideal. In my opinion (I know this in my own case) our emotions, feelings and logic (which is usually good) block our ability to hear from God. Sometimes decisions have to be made quickly so we do not pray. We make plenty of mistakes in our spending money and giving. Sometimes we give foolishly or withhold money when we should give.  Sometimes it is not clear what we should do. That is why we should keep in mind that at least ten percent of the money we acquire is God’s.

One time, a lady I didn’t know stopped at our place and asked for money for diapers for her baby.  That was a legitimate request, but I didn’t know what to do because in the area where I live there is much manipulation and welfare mentality. I prayed quickly asking the Lord what to do. Out of my mouth came the words, “Ask someone else”. I believe that was God’s answer, whether because she shouldn’t have the money or because I wouldn’t have been a cheerful giver!

Another time a lady I knew slightly asked for two dollars and said she would pay me back when she received money she was expecting. I felt to give her twenty dollars–the only money I had. I knew I might never get it back, but I knew she needed it. She did give it back as soon as she received her money. I was glad, more for her sake than mine because we are blessed when we are honest and cursed when we are dishonest.

I saw an article on the internet that answered the question: Should we pay off our debts first before tithing? That person thought we should pay off our debts because we would want others to pay us back the money we owe them, and we should do for others what we would want them to do for us. That is a good point, but he is not taking into account the supernatural. I believe, that if a person tithes, they will pay back their debt faster than if they didn’t pay their tithe. The tithe is God’s money. We are using His money to pay our debts if we don’t tithe.

Malachi 3:8-12 again:
“““Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.” Malachi 3:6-12

If we tithe, God will pour out blessing and cause circumstances that will keep our money or possessions from being devoured. He will give us wisdom as to how we earn and spend our money. If God were saying He would keep the pests from devouring our crops or the vines from casting their fruit today, He might say that He would keep our appliances working and keep us from unnecessary sickness that would delete our funds. He might say He would give us good bargains on necessities and give us the wisdom to make wise purchases. He might say that He would keep our money from the thief and the deceitful manipulator.

Jesus said:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 Our goal should be to store up treasures in heaven because we love Jesus.
* THE EXAMPLE OF JUDAS

The money that Judas received for betraying Jesus was cursed money. “Then one of the Twelve–the one called Judas Iscariot–went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.” Matthew 26:14-15

Judas had been dealing with cursed money. He handled the money for Jesus and the disciples dishonestly: “…he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” John 12:6 How sad for Judas that his conscience was so seared (1 Timothy 4:2) that he did not recognize his sin until it reached such a destructive point.

After Judas realized that he had done wrong, he returned the money. But the chief priests knew that it was cursed money and refused to accept it: “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility.’ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the coins and said, ‘It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.’ So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: ‘They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’ Matthew 27:3-10

Zechariah the prophet foretold this event: “I told them, ‘If you think it best give me my pay, but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’–that handsome price at which you priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the potter.” Zechariah 12:12-13 It appears that this was the price of a slave, “If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull must be stoned.” Exodus 21:23 Hosea bought back his wife Gomer: “So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley.” Hosea 3:2 This was probably the price of a slave–half paid for in money and half in produce, which would be thirty shekels. Judas betrayed Jesus for the price of a slave. The chief priests thought His betrayal was worth the price of a slave.

Judas Iscariot is the extreme example of acquiring cursed money and the consequences of cursed money. It is worthwhile to study his life so that we do not follow that example.

* CONCLUSION

Blessed money is acquired through righteous means and brings life. Cursed money is money that is acquired or withheld in such a way as to dishonor God. It brings punishment and perhaps death.

Sometimes the income of the wicked will be given to the righteous: “He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.” Proverbs 28:8 God is the One who can take the money acquired dishonestly and give it to another in His timing and in His way.

God does not need money. He will not, in any way, go against His character in order to gain money. Neither should we.

* QUESTIONS:

CORRIE LEARNS OF CURSED MONEY
1. If the ten Booms had accepted the money of the well-to-do man, in what way would that have been cursed money?
2. What does this illustration show us about Mr. ten Boom’s his character and his faith?
3. In what way did her father’s actions influence Corrie?
4. What does this illustration show us about the values of society today? Give examples of how the ordinary business man is dealing in cursed money.

WHAT IS CURSED MONEY?
1. What is blessed money? Give examples.
2. What is cursed money? Give several examples either from the article or from your own life.
3. How did playing cards originate? What harm could come from playing cards?
4. What is tithing? What special blessing comes with tithing? What curse comes with not tithing? Give examples from your own experience.
5. Would God be pleased with tithe money won in a lottery? What if you did not know that the money was won in a lottery? Why?

CONSEQUENCES OF CURSED MONEY
1. Why might drunkenness come as a result of dealing in cursed money?
2. What is the principle behind a person making poor choices, spending money wastefully and not having his basic needs met because he deals in cursed money?
3. In what way could a person lose his health or the health of his children because of cursed money?
4. Why might rebellious children be a result of cursed money?
5. In what way would a person lose respect and friends because of cursed money?
6. What did King Saul lose because of his greed?
7. What did Achan lose because of his greed?
8. What did Ananias and Sapphira lose because of their greed?
9. How does dealing in cursed money keep others from turning to God?
10. How are you going to chance because of what you have learned regarding cursed money?

THE CURSE OF NOT TITHING
1. When did tithing begin?
2. What did Jesus say about tithing?
3. Do you think there is a difference in what is required in a tithe in the Old Testament as opposed to the New Testament?
4. Where do you think we should give our tithes and why?
5. How might we be blessed if we tithe?
6. How might we be cursed if we do not tithe?
7. Do you think someone should tithe if they are in debt?
8. Give some examples of being blessed by tithing or giving,

THE EXAMPLE OF JUDAS
1. How did Judas deal in cursed money?
2. Even the corrupt Jewish leaders knew that Jesus was dealing in cursed money. How did they show they knew?
3. Why was the conscience of Judas so seared that he could betray Jesus?
4. Why was Judas being sorry for his sin not true repentance? The Bible Itself gives the best definition of repentance:
“…Your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.”  2 Corinthians 7:9-11
5. How can we see the sovereignty of God in the circumstances surrounding Judas? Why did Jesus choose him to be one of His disciples? When do you think He realized that Judas would betray Him?
6. After the death of Judas, the apostle Peter made two statements about him, quoting the Old Testament: “May his (their) place be deserted;” Psalm 69:25, Acts 1:20 and “May another take his place of leadership.” Psalm 109:8, Acts 1:20 Read Psalm 69 and Psalm 109.What do you think pertains to Judas?