Got Wisdom?

Proverbs 17:16

Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?

So here it is.  1600 years before Ben Franklin said it we see that it was actually King Solomon who said it first:  The best investment you can make is in your own education (in yourself).  

Solomon is saying here that you can keep giving a fool all the money that you want, it won't help him.  He will continue to squander it on things that don't return, and that don't really add value to his life, or anyone else's.  The fool uses his money to indulge his desires and passions.  

He doesn't save any.  He doesn't invest any.  He doesn't appreciate the value of education and wisdom so he certainly doesn't invest any there.  Money runs through the hands of a fool like water.  This is why some of the brokest people in our country are people who earn high incomes ($100,000+/yr.).  They use their income to raise their debt level.  They don't actually own anything, the bank does.  Their whole lifestyle is financed.
The bank owns their house.  The bank owns their car(s).  The bank owns their college diploma.  The bank owns their clothes.  This is the person whom Solomon is calling a fool.

Around the world, people are learning just how foolish this is.  As global economies crash, people are finding out the wisdom of Solomon's words.  Right now is always the best time to start investing in your education, if you haven't up to this point; but ten years ago would have been better.  (At the end of this article I will provide some resources for you to go to work on your education, NOW!)

The best place to start your education is the Bible.  God's Word has everything you need, the only thing you need.  As you can see from the Proverb above, God's Word does teach sound financial stewardship.  That's not the most important thing that it teaches, though.  Teaching us about our loving God and our Savior Jesus is the most important thing the Bible teaches.  All of the practical life lessons the Bible teaches is a display of how much God loves us.  He teaches us exactly how to live a life that pleases Him.  The more we try to live life according to God's guidelines, the better off we are.  The better life is.

Notice in the Proverb above that Solomon says that the fool "has no desire to get wisdom".  Why is that?  We can answer that with two Psalms:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; 

all who follow His precepts have good understanding.

To Him belongs eternal praise.- Psalm 111:10

The biggest problem for the fool is not his low Financial IQ.  His biggest problem is that he doesn't fear the Lord.  He is primarily focused on pleasing himself.  He has made stuff and self his god.  That's why King David wrote this second Psalm that answers the above question:

The fool says in his heart, 

"There is no God."- Psalm 14:1

This is the reason why even people who are smart financially can still be fools.  Anyone who denies the Lord God Almighty and His Word is a fool.  The fool rejects Jesus as his Savior, and instead turns to the things of this world for pleasure and distraction.  Sadly, the final end for all fools is eternal death in hell.

Thankfully, Jesus died for all sins, even the sins of laziness and apathy.  If you still have breath in your lungs it's not too late to receive Jesus as your Savior.

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of  your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-- for all whom the Lord our God will call.- Acts 2:36-37

God bless

Jason Fredrick

Educational Resources 

1. Let's Read Together
2. Christ for Disciplers Podcast
3. The Hidden Secrets of Money
4. Financial Fitness Program
5. Leadership Courses from LIFE Leadership
6. Rascal Radio