Older Than The Hills
"The Lord formed and brought me (Wisdom) forth at the beginning of His way, before His acts of old."
This verse and others from Proverbs 8 give us a glimpse into the longevity and importance of Wisdom as well as the omnipotence of our God.
There is a segment of people who feel God's Word is "old fashioned", "out of touch with today" or "not relevant in this age". The truth is it continues through the centuries to be proven as fruitful and blessed to the Believer, while pointing out (in advance) the calamities and stumblings which will occur to those who disregard it. That ultimate longevity and accuracy proves who authored it... Almighty God.
As it relates to debt and finances, consider that regardless of how mechanisms for borrowing have changed throughout the ages... at the time the Bible was written there were not yet credit cards, online transactions available 24/7 and the ease to get into debt that now exists - it was pledges and basic contracts, yet the principles of God's Wisdom continues to precisely show the right way 2,000 years later.
That is the beauty of this Book, it matters not what the topic is or what point of time is involved - because every single word shows itself to be true.
Our first area to see God prove the truth in His Word is in giving to Him in tithes and offerings. He literally issues a "challenge" to us in Malachi 3 to put Him to the test, in return for our faithfulness He declares to "open the windows of heaven and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need". How about that! We first acknowledge Him as our source by giving, and He gives back to us, confirming who He is. I can tell you that He has always proven faithful to us in this area, as will other Believers if you ask them.
This continues in giving and being generous to others as well - "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:24-25). God is showing how He watches over all our actions of generosity and giving, not just those honoring Him directly through the church, and will respond.
In considering larger financial matters and especially borrowing for them, Jesus said "For which one of you, wishing to build a building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost whether he has sufficient means to finish it?" Being prudent in our assessment of the situation is important here, as we have seen many who did not and as a result lost homes, cars and more.
When it comes to discretionary and impulse purchases, look to Proverbs 12:5 that says "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty surely comes to poverty". This can cover larger things as well. Think back to when you've made hasty or uninformed buying decisions and how many of those proved to be wasteful. We can avoid many of those mistakes by pausing and planning instead of simply buying something on the spot.
To properly lay a foundation of wisdom, look to verse 34 of Proverbs 8: "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." Part of "watching daily" is to be reading God's Word daily, listening to Him for wisdom and eager to apply it to the situation that arises.
Lastly, take with you what is written in Proverbs 4:6 - "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you."
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
