TOPIC:
IMPOVERISHED BY PLEASURE
KEY
VERSE: Proverbs 21:17
“He that loveth pleasure
shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
TEXT:
Proverbs 21:16-31
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.
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
hard work, 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 victim 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
Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM) by Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
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