Financial Wisdom Series

INTRODUCTION:

A man went in to see a banker about a loan.

Banker: How much would you like to borrow?

Man: One Million Dollars

Banker: That’s a lot of money.

Man: Is that a problem? I could go talk with a bank that has more money if I need to.

Banker: On no it’s no problem at all. We loan large sums of money all the time.

Man: That’s good.

Banker: Sir what do you intend to use as collateral?

Man: Collateral? What’s that?

Banker: That’s property or other assets you use as a guarantee for the loan. Should you default on the loan, the bank would be legally entitled to the collateral to pay off the loan.

Man: Oh, well I’m not giving you any collateral. You can’t have MY STUFF it belongs to me.

Banker: I see. Tell me sir what do you intend to do with this money?

Man: That’s none of your business what I do with my money. I’m going to be a millionaire and I’ll do as I please with my money.

Banker: I see. Sir what type of work do you do?

Man: Work?

Banker: Yes, where are you employed?

Man: Oh I don’t need a job cuz I’m going to be a millionaire, so I don’t work.

Banker: I see, so what do you do all day?

Man: I do as I please. If I feel like sleeping in I do, if I want to watch TV then I do that. As a millionaire I can do anything I want to.

Banker: I see, sir how do you intend to repay this loan?

Man: What do you mean repay the loan?

Banker: Well you see sir; you have an obligation to give the money back to the bank with interest.

Man: Interest? What’s that?

Banker: That’s the percentage rate we charge you for having the loan from the bank. It’s the amount you pay the bank for the loan

Man: Oh well I’m not going to pay you anything for my money and I’m not going to give any of it back either. My million dollars is for me not you.

Banker: I see; sir we have a name for people like you.

Man: Yea I know—millionaire!

Banker: No sir, you’re a thief.

Man: Why I’m not a criminal! I’ve never been so insulted in all my life; I’m taking my business elsewhere!

So do you think this guy will ever get his loan and be a millionaire? One thing is for sure, if he ever does get the money at least he’s an honest thief!

This morning we are going to continue our series of messages from the book of Proverbs “Wisdom for Right Living.” So far we have looked at six keys to having wisdom for our daily lives, and today we will look at the seventh key – Financial Wisdom. Let’s do a quick review of keys #1-6 and then move right into key #7.

Key #1: Start with God; Fear the Lord. (Proverbs 1:7)

The fear of the Lord is active; our lives will be changed from the inside out.

Key #2: Learn wisdom from those who fear the Lord. (Proverbs 1:8-19)

Don’t go it alone. Surround yourself with those who fear the Lord.

Key #3: Answer wisdom’s call; wisdom is found in our daily choices. (Proverbs 1:20-21)

Jesus gives us wisdom in our daily routine; He reveals the mind of God for our lives. Wisdom is not earned it is practiced daily.

Key #4: Remember the Law of the Harvest; consequences follow your actions. (Proverbs 1:22-33)

Key #5: Let authentic love lead you everyday; make love your guide and your motive. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Love should be used only in the context of relationships; we should express our love for God and other people—not things.

Don’t limit who you love. Love should be given to anyone with the capacity to return love—that’s everyone.

Key #6: Depend fully upon God alone; in everything rely upon God with absolute confidence and hope. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

Key # 7: Wealth and possessions are not ours to own; everything belongs to God and is ours on loan.

OUR FOCUS: OWNERSHIP VERSUS STEWARDSHIP

• Proverbs 30:8-9 (NIV)

[7] "Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: [8] Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. [9] Otherwise, I may 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.

How many of us would be willing to make this our prayer?

Prayer of integrity. Two of the ways you will be recognized as a person of Godly character is through what you say and how you use your money.