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Topic: Impoverished By Pleasure
Text: Proverbs 21:16-31 (KJV)
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Key Verse: “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17).
MESSAGE:
Wanton pleasure is the greatest bane of the modern world today. Both civilised and developing nations of the world are painfully groping under the burden of uncontrolled pursuit of pleasure. History has it that the powerful empire of the Romans was brought on its knees by reckless indulgence of her people in debauchery. Many modern societies are adrift into moral, economic and religious decline currently as a result of love of pleasure.
The text under consideration disapproves of the illegitimate pleasure seeking or wealth acquisition of the slothful. It forewarned of the dangers inherent in choosing an unrighteous path to amass wealth. Legitimate pleasure is scriptural and part of divine promise and provision for the righteous. It is the product of conscientious work and industry. This kind of pleasure fuels hardwork, growth, progress and success in all areas of life.
However, the warped view of pleasure wherein individuals in the society want the best in life without commensurate effort at achieving their desires is condemnable. This is the reason behind many folks falling victims to Ponzi schemes that promise great monetary gains with paltry sums. The rat race to amass wealth at all cost and by all means has left many individuals, families and communities in frustration and regret.
A lax attitude towards work, day-dreaming of wealth as well as spending hard-earned resources on “sweeties” are all negative attitudes no one should entertain, as such do lead to poverty and lack. We must learn how to invest our time, talent and treasure to create more durable wealth for ourselves and dependants.
Thought For The Day: He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand.
The Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 13-17
