“There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;
And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”

- Proverbs 13:7

So the logical conclusion to this proverb is that material possessions have nothing to do with whether we are rich or poor.

One who has great possessions can still be poor due to the fact that he desires more; He isn’t satisfied with what he has. He still lacks, and thus Scripture calls him “poor”.

One can be rich though he has nothing because God Himself is his treasure. His Word, His Promises bring him satisfaction, and thus despite his “poverty” he is rich because of who God is for him. He is a child of the King who owns all things.

Which category do you fall into? Are you rich or poor?

I was simply amazed when I read this proverb. I immediately thought of the apostle Paul who wrote the Philippian church from prison. In his chains he writes, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:11-13

Paul was a rich man… Imprisoned and chained, though having nothing he was rich! Why? Because of Jesus. Jesus the Redeemer, made Paul a child of God. Through Jesus we have adoption, and thus have all the rights and privileges as children! What a great inheritance we have! Oh what peace, joy, freedom we have! We are indeed rich if we treasure Him.

J. C. Hahne

“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

O God, may all that you are for us in Christ Jesus give us a quiet satisfied heart. Keep us dear God from envy and covetousness. Be glorified in us Your people.

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.” – Proverbs 12:25

How true it is that anxiety and worrying, cause depression, sadness, and grief. We must fight against such feeling knowing that they are not from God. But how do we fight? We must take in hand the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The proverb says, “a good word makes it (the heart of man) glad.” The word of God is good and true. It is our surety, and our sword that cuts through the schemes of the devil.

We are to take the promises of God, preach them to ourselves and one another and defeat sins of depression and anxiety. The Word of truth proclaims that our God is Sovereign and Good, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28, and “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. Thus we can say with boldness, “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 or, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

May the truth strengthen us in our fight against sin. May we gain courage and joy as we trust in His promises. May His “good word” make us glad!

J. C. Hahne

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Proverbs 3:11-12

We are blessed that God our Father is a good father. His love is perfect, and thus as any loving father would do, He disciplines us when we stray from His law. Without discipline a child will continue in disobedience, and will go in the way of destruction. “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.” Proverbs 23:13-14. We are not to “despise the chastening of the Lord”, but rather give thanks that He leads us, and raises us up in His ways. It is a grace, that he would discipline and correct us.

Of course every child cries disciplined, Yes, it hurts… It isn’t pleasant, but let us not forget that it is for our good; for our sanctification. “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11.

Let us all rejoice in our Father, for His loving ways are perfect. May we give Him thanks for this grace of discipline.

J. C. Hahne