WISDOM'S JOURNEY: Why pretend to be rich? Proverbs 13:7

Why pretend to be wealthy?



TODAY'S PROVERB: One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7

What's so great about being rich? Certainly the "toys" are nice, but why would someone pretend to be rich?

Could it be because a rich person generally has an easy respect and admiration from others. At least initially.

Wealth can imply worthiness of honor and respect. At the very least, most people are drawn to someone of affluence. So, perhaps, some believe pretending to be rich is a short cut to acceptance and respect.

It's nice to be respected. True respect from others takes time and effort. It's not easy. Maintaining wealth isn't always easy.

Living above our means creates all sorts of problems. That type of lifestyle isn't real and can cause us to not appreciate what GOD has already given us.

I went to a private, parochial high school. My parents in no way could afford it. Most of the students came from families with money. I remember the girls wore designer from head to toe with a Villager monogrammed purse on their shoulder.

Oh, how I wanted those symbols of affluence. How driven by envy I was. How I tried to pretend my parents could afford all the luxuries like a new car for their birthday.

Instead of focusing on the wonderful opportunity for a stellar education, I coveted and wished. I knew enough not to bother my parents--too much--about a different wardrobe, but I was so distracted. Sigh.

Do we struggle with wanting quick respect and acceptance? Remembering to look to GOD as our true worth can help overcome that temptation. And that's a good thing.

May we be who GOD called us to be, my friends.

Proverbs 13:7, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV, #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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