Living Wisely in Either Prosperity or Adversity

In the 1st century BC, Roman historian Sallust said, “Prosperity tries the souls, even of the wise.”

Most people would choose financial prosperity despite its temptations, but what if you’re living with financial adversity? When things are going well financially, it’s tempting to take credit for your success. This can lead to sins such as pride and greed. Adversity has its own set of temptations. Self-pity, bitterness, and envy are a few typical responses to hard times and these aren’t godly attitudes, either.

There is a better way, of course. Christians are called to live with integrity, no matter the circumstances we face. But how do we do that consistently? According to the Bible, the key to godly living in both good times and bad is wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Fearing the Lord means respecting and honoring His authority. It also means obeying His commands. We do this because we understand the consequences of breaking God’s rules. Scripture confirms that fearing the Lord in this way is the first step toward living wisely.

Good parents know that children need boundaries, both for safety and healthy development. God has set boundaries for his children as well, boundaries that protect us spiritually and physically. When God says “no” to something, such as stealing or dishonesty, it’s because those things hurt us by breaking relationships with other people and with the Lord.

Because God loves us, he sets these boundaries for our lives. When we obey, we are safe and at peace. So, fearing the Lord isn’t about being afraid, it’s about learning to love and obey our heavenly Father even more.

Wisdom is something that begins with a healthy respect for God’s authority. That means, whether you’re struggling financially, or experiencing a time of prosperity, you can still live wisely. Pay attention to what God says, and you’ll begin to receive the benefits of wisdom. Here are a few of those:

• Discernment. Proverbs 2:9 says the wise “…will understand what is right and just and fair.”
• Guidance. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us that, "in all your ways acknowledge Him…and he will make your paths straight.”
• Blessing. In Proverbs 3:13 we hear that “blessed is the man who finds wisdom.”
• Good reputation. In Proverbs 3:35 “the wise inherit honor.”
• Protection. Proverbs 16:6 says, “through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.”

Those are certainly desirable benefits, and all available to you no matter your financial state.

What about those who choose not to honor God and live by His rules? The Bible calls those people fools. “Fool” is a strong term referring to someone who deliberately destroys themselves. Psalm 14:1 puts it plainly: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.”

God warns that fools will suffer shame, disaster, distress, and troubles. You definitely don’t want to be foolish in your finances or your life. How can you follow a path of wisdom in your day-to-day financial decisions?

First, understand how God views money and possessions. The Bible tells us that God owns everything, and we are to be wise caretakers of whatever we have. He’s not really concerned about your bank balance. What matters is where your heart is. Ask the Lord to change your heart so you can follow Him in this area.

Second, being financially wise means living by biblical principles. For example, practice integrity in all your dealings and consider others more important than yourself. You can find out more about this at FaithFi.com.

A third key to financial wisdom is contentment. When you invite God into your finances, trusting him to lead you and provide what you need, you’ll begin to understand 1 Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

What do your actions and attitudes about money reveal about you?  Are you wise or foolish? If you’re committed to Jesus, following the Lord with all your heart, it will show in your financial choices.

Whether God in His wisdom has provided you with adversity or prosperity, you can be confident in God’s love and provision. You can be prepared to deal with any financial circumstances when you’re focused on what’s really important and that’s following Jesus.  As it says in 1 Corinthians 1:30, “Jesus Christ…has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

You can also listen to the related podcast on this topic.