Proverbs 19

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet. The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord.” Proverbs 19:1-3 (NKJV)

Our generation values people who are successful more than ones who are not.  Today’s proverb touches on the differences between how people treat the rich and the poor.  The world exalts the rich and famous, but God looks deeper into a person’s soul.  Recall how the Lord instructed Samuel when he showed up at Jesse’s home to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king of Israel, replacing the people’s choice for King Saul.  

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; or man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

Even though a person may obtain celebrity or riches, they do not guarantee that person will be happy.  King Solomon wrote a whole book of the Bible (Ecclesiastes) about that very topic.  Even King Saul (who had the kingdom, power, money, and good looks) was tormented because he lacked a personal relationship with God.

“But the Spirit of the Lord [Yahweh] departed from Saul, and a distressing [evil] spirit from the Lord [Yahweh] troubled [tormented] him.” 1 Samuel 16:14 (NKJV)

It is not as though God is saying that there is any glory, strictly in being poor, per se.  There are many rich people who love the Lord and use their money to build God’s kingdom.  And there are many poor people who rebel against the Lord.  The whole point of distinguishing between the poor and the rich in today’s proverb is to address the deep cultural prejudice against a person simply because of their lack of resources.  Equally prejudiced is to ascribe value to a person merely because they are wealthy.  BOTH are sin because they judge the inner man (a person’s character) solely by observing the outer man.

“Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.” Proverbs 19:6-8 (NKJV)

The key to joy has nothing to do with riches. It has EVERYTHING to do with knowing God’s Word and obeying it.  Wisdom is to fear the Lord (i.e., Hate evil – Proverbs 8:13) to the point that we have understanding (depart from evil).    

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28 (NKJV)