1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. Proverbs on Economics Selected Proverbs
There are more than 200 Proverbs that touch on topics related to economics
The principles in these Proverbs apply to both personal and national finances

3. Rich vs Poor
There are definite advantages to having wealth - Proverbs 10:15; 19:4; 14:20
Rich & poor are equal before God - Prov. 22:2, but wealth can hinder - Prov. 18:11; 11:28; 28:11

4. Better than Wealth Title Proverbs
Wisdom & Understanding - 3:13-15
The Fear of the Lord - 15:16
Integrity & a Good Name - 28:6
Humility & Righteousness - 16:19
Love & Quietness - 15:17, 17:1

5. Source of Wealth
Wealth can be gained by evil means, but there are negative consequences - Proverbs 1:10-19; 13:7; 28:8

6. Righteous Sources of Wealth Proverbs 10:22 & Others
Wisdom - 8: Knowledge - 24:4
Humility - 22: Righteousness - 11:18
Work - 13:11b Diligence - 10:4
Faithfulness - 28:20a Inheritance - 13:22
Contentment with God’s provision is the better blessing – Prov. 18:20; Matt. 6:19-34; Proverbs 13:25, 10:3

7. Planning vs Haste
Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 20:21 cf Luke 15:11-12
Proverbs 28:20
The need for planning and keeping God’s priorities - Proverbs 24:27; 16:3

8. Wisdom & Righteousness vs. Foolishness & Wickedness
Proverbs calls people to follow wisdom (1:2- 9) and avoid foolishness (1:10-19) - sadly, few do (1:32)
Prosperity begins by honoring the Lord from your wealth, Proverbs 3:9-10, see Exodus 23:19 & Deuteronomy 12:6
Christians are to give voluntarily and cheerfully - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

9. Wisdom & Righteousness vs. Foolishness & Wickedness
It is necessary to do good and avoid evil - Proverbs 3:27-33
Righteousness and wickedness earn opposite wages (10:16; 11:18; 15:16)
The wicked neglect discipline (13:18), spend foolishly (21:20) and are pursued by adversity (13:21)

10. Wisdom & Righteousness vs. Foolishness & Wickedness
Hope in wealth is a weak protection - Proverbs 18:11; 11:28; 11:4; 28:22.
Hope in righteousness is a strong protection - Proverbs 11:28; 11:4; 18:10

11. Good vs Unethical Business Practices
The Lord is concerned about honesty - Proverbs 16:11; 11:1; 20:10, 23
The Lord hates lying and fraud - Proverbs 6:17; 21:6; 20:14, 17
Fraud (flattery) intentionally perverts the truth in order to deceive - Proverbs 13:11; 26:28; 29:5

12. Good vs Unethical Business Practices
Changing rules / manipulating laws is injustice - Proverbs 22:28; 23:10-11; cf Deuteronomy 19:14; Proverbs 13:23
Those who cooperate with the wicked are also guilty - Proverbs 29:24
Unethical business eventually bring trouble & God’s judgment - Proverbs 28:22; 15:27; 22:22-23, 10:2

13. Diligence vs. Sluggards
Diligence contrasted with the sluggard - Proverbs 14:23; 6:6-11
Blessings upon the diligent - Proverbs 10:4; 12:11; 28:19; 27:18; :4; 14:4
Consequences to sluggards - Proverbs 10:4; 13:4; 13:18; 15:19; 19:15; 21:25; 22:13; 26:13; 26:16

14. Generosity vs. Greed & Gluttony
Greed and gluttony are both selfish - greed hoards while gluttony consumes - Proverbs 11:24
The Lord blesses the generous - Proverbs 11:25; 14:31; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27; cf. Matt 5:44-48
The Lord curses the greedy and gluttonous - Proverbs 23:4-5; 21:17; 23:17-21; 27:20, 21:13; 28:17

15. Loans & Surety
Those making loans are not to be oppressive / charge usury - Proverbs 22:16; 28:8
Those borrowing are at risk - Proverbs 22:7, and must pay it all back - Psalm 37:21
Surety (co-signing) places you at risk - Proverbs 22: and so is not wise - Proverbs 6:1-5; 17:18

16. Conclusions
Selfishness removes contentment and robs joy & satisfaction even when there is wealth
The key to financial success is pursuing righteousness and wisdom - Proverbs 3:13-15, 33

17. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ