Check Your Heart (Biblical Economics, Part 6)
By Ben Quine
**This article is part of a series written by Ben Quine that takes us through the whole of Scripture to discover how God set up an economy for His people, and how His timeless economic principles apply to us today.
For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
(I Samuel 16:7)
When God called Samuel to anoint David as future king he had to correct him because Samuel was looking at the outside appearance. Jesus similarly corrected his disciples about what defiles a person (Matthew 15:10-20) when he said “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” In the same way, Proverbs teaches us to look at the heart on economic issues.
We saw in the last article Proverbs’ teaching that for those who are able, work is not optional, but it is a direct application of the fear of the Lord. When a person makes wise choices within a social framework that upholds Biblical values, Proverbs teaches that normally wealth and prosperity will be the result. But we must look deeper…
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”—my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. (Proverbs 1:10–19)
This stark warning comes at the very opening of the book of Proverbs. What is the temptation to join in with this evil bunch in their scheming? It is the allure of finding “all precious goods” and filling “our houses with plunder.” Proverbs opens with this illustration because once our hearts are set on gaining wealth, it quickly leads to sin, disaster, and destruction. Being “greedy for unjust gain” causes one to “set an ambush for their own lives.”
Be very careful! It is not wealth that does this, but it is the love of money and the greedy pursuit of wealth that twist the heart. What actions do twisted hearts take in pursuit of wealth?
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight. (Proverbs 11:1)
Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 20:10)
They act unjustly. They cheat or show partiality in business or government.
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. (Proverbs 21:6)
They lie. Maybe through false advertising or on legal documents.
Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them. (Proverbs 22:22-23)
They take advantage of those who are poor or powerless.
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 10:2)
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. (Proverbs 20:17)
But the wealth gained by wickedness does not last and it does not satisfy. Riches promise to remove all trouble from life and bring meaning and joy, but they are only temporary and they turn our hearts away from God. That’s why Jesus talked about “the deceitfulness of riches” (Matthew 13:22).
When a culture is dominated by the love of money, it produces the fruit of suffering. (“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” 1 Timothy 6:10)
God hates the actions sin-centered hearts take in pursuit of wealth, but we should never expect unregenerate hearts or a society that has rejected Him to follow God’s principles. That’s why we must share the Gospel, pray for our land, and teach Biblical economic principles.
For many people, acquiring wealth is the primary goal of life. However, Proverbs urges us to pursue better things:
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 3:13-15)
Wisdom is preeminent. Real wisdom means a heart that longs to follow God’s ways in every area of life! So what is to be done? How can we convert evil, money-loving hearts into righteous, God-loving hearts?
Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:3-6)
It is not by government laws or regulations. It is not by social force or manipulation. It takes a miracle. It takes God transforming a heart from the inside out (Romans 12:2). Cry out to God for wisdom! He promises that He will give wisdom to those who call (Proverbs 2:5, James 1:5). He promises He will transform the hearts of all who call (John 6:37). He promises He will give His Spirit who will create His fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-24).
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)
At its core, economics is a spiritual issue. Sinful hearts cheat, manipulate, and steal. Sinful hearts oppress the poor and engage in deceitful business practices. But instead of condemning wealth and private property, Proverbs encourages each person to gain wealth through a virtuous life and to use it for God’s glory. Only by having a heart right with God can anyone truly “Honor the Lord with your wealth.” We show love to our culture and bless all those around us by following and teaching wisdom, demonstrating righteous character, and embracing Biblical economic principles.
In our next articles, we’ll look at what Jesus taught about Economics. You won’t want to miss them!
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ABOUT BEN
Connect with him at Cornerstone Curriculum
Ben Quine, the second son of David and Shirley Quine, was blessed to grow up with a Charlotte Mason/Dr. Schaeffer/Biblical Worldview education -- a tremendous gift! Through the years, Ben has served as a Cornerstone consultant, assistant, and co-author. He has written several Bible studies for the Answers for Difficult Days series, which equips churches to address the issues our culture is wrestling with today, from the foundation of Scripture. Ben is also the editor of The Worldview Library, editions of classical literature with student helps that afford the reader a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in each work.
Trained as a classical pianist and instructor, Ben is committed to inspiring his students with the love of great music and equipping them with the tools to perform at the highest level. This training has resulted in his students' successful performances from local festivals and competitions to Carnegie Hall.
Ben loves Shakespeare, Dickens, photography, listening to recordings of "the great pianists", running, biking, and spending time with his wife Julie and their three sons.