SPIRITUAL WEALTH

BEYOND PHYSICAL WEALTH  

Section 1

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 22:1 (KJV) 

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold."  

 First, let's begin by addressing the first phrase of the scripture: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..."   

Having a good name is wealth. For example, in the world of business, just by being associated with somebody's good name can open up doors for you that you would have not been able to open on your own. Having a good name is equated to having personal wealth, so much so, it is compared to having great riches.  

Second, let's address the second phrase of the scripture, "...and loving favor rather than silver and gold."  

In this part of the scripture, it talks about loving favor. Loving favor here is compared to silver and gold. We all know that silver and gold are valuable in the earth, but the Word of God says so is having favor. I heard somebody say, "A moment of favor is worth a lifetime of labor." Favor can do things that we cannot do on our own because we are limited, God is not. We need to have favor with God and with man. Even in Jesus’ life we see that He grew in favor with both God and man.  

When you think about your name, what are the thoughts that come to mind? Are they good, bad, or indifferent? If those thoughts are not to your liking, here's some good news: you can do something about it. You have the power to change your thoughts. If you think you have a bad reputation, you have the power to change the narrative by your actions.  

Lastly, do you value favor? If not, begin to value the favor that you have in your life and on your life. 

Remember this, your name is valuable. Loving favor is value. Even more than gold and silver! 

Section 2

Now, I want to turn your attention to Proverbs 16:16. In the King James Version is says this, "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding rather than silver?"

Looking at the scripture, the question that comes to mind is: "what makes wisdom and understanding valuable?" The answer to that question can be found in Proverbs 4:7 (King James Version), it says, "Wisdom is the principal thing Therefore, get wisdom, and with all thy getting, get understanding."  

Wisdom and understanding are foundational and fundamental to every Believer. One thing that remains true about fundamentals is that they maintain their importance and relevance. For example, if you were to ask a soccer coach, "how important are fundamentals to you, coach,” I promise that coach will say they are of vital importance. Why? Because fundamentals are what make up the foundation of what's being built. With that being said, wisdom and understanding are fundamentals to our walk with the Lord, and they enable us to live our best life while we are here on earth. There are so many scriptures about wisdom and understanding in God's Word. 

Finally, always remember, if you ever believe that you lack understanding or wisdom, you serve a God who has an endless supply of wisdom and understanding and is generous. He is more than happy to give you what you need. According to James 1:5, He gives wisdom to every man liberally. I encourage you to value wisdom and understanding. They are of vital importance to Believers!