Often, we correlate success with how much wealth someone has accumulated. Our lives are successful based on the size of our bank accounts, the size of our houses, how many possessions we have, and our overall net worth. But is that what success really looks like?
When God gave Solomon, the principal writer of Proverbs, a choice to have anything he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom above all else. In return, Solomon had it all — wealth, wisdom, beautiful women. But as Solomon lays out the true meaning of success in Proverbs 11, those status symbols are nowhere on his list.
Instead, Solomon says success comes from working hard and being generous with what we have (Proverbs 11:24-26). We can’t take our stuff with us when this life is over. Everything we gain in life can be taken away, but a relationship with Jesus will never fade away.
Solomon also warns us that success that is not rightfully gained is not success at all (Proverbs 11:29-31). It may appear that people who have gained wealth wrongfully are successful, but whether we see it or not, there are always consequences to our actions. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
All the wealth in the world can’t compare with the true riches that are gained from following Jesus.
Trusting in our wealth leads us to destruction, but trusting in God leads us to our destiny. When we realize that true wealth is not something that we can gain but is given to us by God, then and only then, will we truly be successful in life.
Reflect: | |
| Proverbs 11:1 | A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. |
Proverbs 11:2 | When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. |
Proverbs 11:3 | The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. |
Proverbs 11:4 | Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. |
Proverbs 11:5 | The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. |
Proverbs 11:6 | The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own aughtiness. |
Proverbs 11:7 | When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. |
Proverbs 11:8 | The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. |
Proverbs 11:9 | An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. |
Proverbs 11:10 | When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. |
Proverbs 11:11 | By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. |
Proverbs 11:12 | He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. |
Proverbs 11:13 | A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. |
Proverbs 11:14 | Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. |
Proverbs 11:15 | He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. |
Proverbs 11:16 | A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. |
Proverbs 11:17 | The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. |
Proverbs 11:18 | The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. |
Proverbs 11:19 | As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. |
Proverbs 11:20 | They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. |
Proverbs 11:21 | Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. |
Proverbs 11:22 | As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. |
Proverbs 11:23 | The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. |
Proverbs 11:24 | There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. |
Proverbs 11:25 | The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. |
Proverbs 11:26 | He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. |
Proverbs 11:27 | He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. |
Proverbs 11:28 | He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. |
Proverbs 11:29 | He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. |
Proverbs 11:30 | The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. |
Proverbs 11:31 | Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
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