Text: “The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.“(Ecclesiastes 9:17)

  • Who, or what, do we believe is our true source of wealth?
  • The story of the poor wise man teaches us that the world puts more trust in money than in God (Ecclesiastes 9:14-16).
    1. Money can bring power and authority, but we must remember its true source.
  • Jesus Himself warned against trusting too much in money (Matthew 6:19-21).
    1. The real treasure is not on earth, where thieves can break in and steal it, but in heaven where it cannot rust or be stolen.
    2. Wherever we put our money indicates where our heart is.
  • Jesus illustrated this with the example of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21, 23, 24).
    1. The young man refused to follow His advice because he trusted money more than God.
  • Giving financially is a way to prove to ourselves that we trust Him more.
    1. It is not about buying God’s favor.
    2. If we know we can trust Him in the little things like money, we will know that we can trust Him in the big things.
  • Trusting money keeps us from receiving the gifts God has for us through grace.
    1. Money itself is not the problem. But having lots of it can trick people into putting their faith in it over God.
  • Who is the source of our money?
  • Why must we not trust our money?
  • Can money but life?
  • How do we demonstrate that we trust God and not the money?
  • If we really trust Him, our actions should show it. Actions speak louder than words.
  • Merely paying lip service to our trust will not accomplish anything.
  • Our actions must back up what we profess (James 2:26).
  • This applies to our giving and tithing.
  • Whoever or whatever we serve becomes our master (Romans 6:16).
    1. Trusting money puts us in bondage to it.
  • God blesses His servants greatly.
    1. The king of the Philistines acknowledged that Isaac was so wealthy and powerful that there was not enough room in the kingdom for the both of them (Genesis 26:16).
    2. Jacob was greatly blessed with many servants and animals (Genesis 30:43).
    3. God took the blessing from Saul and placed it on David. God’s favor found young David regardless of where the boy was (1 Samuel 16:1, 11, 13).
    4. After David became king, God blessed David abundantly because he trusted God enough to give generously (1 Chronicles 29:1-5).
    5. God blessed David’s son Solomon even more (1 Kings 1:37).
  • God knows us through and through. He knows we are prone to walk in fear when it comes to money matters (Psalm 103:14).
  • What is the difference between money and blessing of God?
  • Can I lose everything I have if I don’t trust God for it.
  • Why did God took the blessing off people like Saul, the Egyptians for the people He loves.
  • Can I be truly rich if I am not faithful?