Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. Proverbs 13:7
It was the middle of final exam season in college when my laptop unexpectedly quit working. It completely shut down and would not restart. For a college student who worked from her laptop every day, especially during the season of final exams, this was a bad, bad situation. I went to the Apple store with my computer and found even worse news: I was going to need to purchase a new laptop. As I was considering how in the world I would pay for my new computer, I remembered that I had set aside money in my savings account that I could use to purchase my computer. I had gradually saved up money over a three-year timespan from working various summer jobs. In that moment, I was so grateful I had been encouraged to save as a young college student. One of the reasons I had been disciplined to save was because of what Scripture teaches about handling our finances.
Solomon, the writer of many Proverbs, explains about the importance of saving in Proverbs 13. He states in verse seven that "those who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor." In other words, he is saying if you want to gain control over your finances, live well within your means. Save. Do not spend every dollar that you make.
When it comes to your finances, are you carefully setting aside money to save, or are you spending as much (or more) as you make each week? We would be wise to follow Solomon's advice and set aside a little bit of money each week to save. According to Proverbs 13:11, hard work each day grows over time. I learned this lesson when I saved money from my summer jobs during college. I did not save a lot each month. I saved what I could, and that little bit I saved accumulated over time and allowed me to purchase the new laptop computer that I needed.
Determine today to save each month. By saving a portion of your income, you will practice self-discipline and wisdom, honoring God with your finances.
Laura CourtneySagebrush Staff Writer
Your challenge today is to spend time looking at your finances. Consider your budget and how much you are spending each month. Decide to begin allotting a portion of your finances to save. How much do you want to set aside for saving? Even if it is just a little bit, your savings will grow over time. Set three specific financial goals as you strive to save: paying off student loans, buying a house, paying for your child's college, etc. By doing this, you are honoring God by being wise with the finances He has blessed you with.
Read Proverbs 13:1-11 (NLT)
A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.
Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
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