The Proverbs attributed to Solomon are listed as beginning in chapter 10. Almost all of them have an initial statement followed by a BUT, known as an ‘antithetical opposite’(the second line contrasts the first). However, verse 22, doesn’t have the ‘But’, but has an ‘And’ in the middle;
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
AND He adds no trouble to it.
It’s as if God is giving a double blessing! He’s blessing with the wealth itself and promises that ‘no trouble’ will come with it.
There’s a saying in the world that, ‘money doesn’t buy happiness’, but wealth from God should be a wonderful blessing to His children.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Tim 6
A verse that’s often misquoted, it’s the ‘Love of Money’, what’s first in our hearts, that can cause major problems for believers.
Solomon was an incredibly blessed ruler and the Bible tells us that he was surrounded with vast wealth. God never wanted His people to be poor and we should never believe that He did.
12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both wealth and honour – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 1 Kings 3
God’s Word to us today under the New Covenant clearly demonstrates His intention to bless His people;
8 And God is able to make ALL GRACE ABOUND TO YOU, so that in ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES, having ALL that you need, you will ABOUND in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9
The word ALL is used four times and ABOUND twice in this one verse to the Corinthian Church. Paul was making God’s will for the believers clear.
The late Derek and Ruth Prince used to quote this verse daily for the needs of their ministry. Derek Prince believed that the authority of God’s Word should be extended over situations by proclaiming the scripture daily, like Moses’ rod. The situation may not appear to change immediately, but God’s word is powerful.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 SO IS MY WORD that goes out from my mouth:
it will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55
God wants us to believe Him and trust in His Loving Kindness towards us. Stretch out the rod of God’s Word in your own situation today and receive His blessing.
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
AND He adds no trouble to it. Proverbs 10
God bless and keep you today.