Proverb
Teacher
Lesson Summary
Dave Rich taught a class on the biblical perspective of wealth using the book of Proverbs and supporting New Testament passages. He began with the King Midas myth to illustrate how the pursuit of wealth can blind us to what truly matters, leading to the loss of relationships and spiritual focus. The class emphasized Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 that it is not money itself that is evil, but the love of money that becomes a root of all kinds of evil. The attitude and priorities behind our pursuit of wealth determine whether it becomes a spiritual stumbling block. The rich young ruler account from Matthew 19 demonstrated how love of possessions can prevent someone from following Jesus fully. Dave then presented Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30:7-9, where the writer asked for neither poverty nor riches but contentment with his portion—a "just right" approach similar to Goldilocks. The class highlighted multiple Proverbs passages emphasizing that spiritual wealth through Jesus and a good name are more valuable than material riches. Dave challenged listeners to examine where their hearts truly lie regarding money and possessions, urging them to prioritize God, family, and spiritual growth over accumulating material wealth and working multiple jobs at the expense of relationships.
Key Scriptures
For godliness is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it. And if we have food and covering, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all evil, and some having desired it, have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
And behold, a man came to Him, saying, 'Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?' And He said to him, 'Why do you ask Me about what is good? There is only one who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.' He said to Him, 'Which ones?' And Jesus said, 'You shall not commit murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' The young man said to Him, 'All these things I have kept from my youth; what do I still lack?' Jesus said to him, 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to His disciples, 'Truly, I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.