This is a collection of articles from a very wise man, Bruce Ammons.

Proverbs 1:18,19 …these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed.  Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life. NLT

God is not against prosperity.  He is against greed.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns, Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. NIV

God is a good God.  He wants his children to experience abundant life.  Greed robs one of abundant life.  It can lead to other sins such as lying and stealing.

Additionally, it leads to undisciplined spending and poverty.

Proverbs Prosperity Pointer #1: overcoming greed is key to building Bible based prosperity.

Proverbs 3:9,10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.  Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. (NLT)

One of the most consistent themes in all the Bible is that God is to be first priority in our lives.  The benefits of placing God at the top of our priority list are numerous and amazing.

In this passage, we see God’s response to generosity toward his kingdom:  he generously provides for us.  He provides for our needs (barns filled with grain).  He also provides some wants (your vats will overflow with good wine).  It is beyond the scope of this blog to discuss the wisdom of alcohol consumption, but God clearly provided more than basic needs here.

The New Testament variation of this passage is found in Matthew 6:33, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

A casual reading of Matthew 6 reveals that food, drink, and clothes were the specifics referred to by the phrase all these things. A careful reading reveals a completely different picture. All these things is referring to anything and everything on ones “worry list”.  Seeking first God’s kingdom recruits God’s help and provision for all the worries of everyday life.

I find it interesting that God desires to bless us.  He could just say: “I am God, give me the first and the best of all you produce because I deserve it.”

But, he loves us so much, he “can’t seem to help” but to bless us even when we are simply giving to him that which is already his.

God is so generous and loving.  It is an honor to be part of his family.

Proverbs 3:14,15 Wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.  Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. (NLT)

The wealthiest man in history (King Solomon) did not get wealthy by pursuing riches.  He got wealthy by pursuing wisdom!

1 Kings 3:3-14 records the story of God appearing to Solomon in a dream.  He basically offered Solomon a blank check…ask for whatever you want me to give you.  Solomon could have asked for riches, long life, honor, or the fulfillment of any other desire.  He asked for wisdom!  As a result, God granted him riches as well.

Pursuing wisdom leads to wealth. Pursuing wealth does not lead to wisdom.

Following college, Steven K. Scott lost his first 6 jobs within 4 years.  He asked his friend, Gary Smalley for advice.  Gary encouraged Steven to read one chapter from the Bible book Proverbs (the book of wisdom) daily.  Stephen did and within one year was a multi-millionaire.

He became prosperous by searching for wisdom daily through God’s Word and taking action on the truth he learned.

His book, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived is great.  It is a must read for all who desire to build Bible-based prosperity!

Proverbs 3:21-22 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.  Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.  They are like jewels on a necklace.

This passage reminds us that common sense and discernment have financial value (like jewels).  Though there are many financial basics, let’s just consider this one:  consistently spend less than you earn.  Wow what a concept!

I like the Dave Ramsey billboard’s that say “Act Your Wage”.

Bible based prosperity is built by spending less than you earn and wisely investing the difference.

Proverbs 3:27-28, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, ‘Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.’”

Bible based prosperity is never built at the expense of others.  It is built by blessing others.

“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar

Do not let an uncertain economy encourage hoarding.  Be generous.  God honors generosity!