August 28, 2026 -- Proverbs 14:23 -- What keeps you from poverty?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

In all toil there is profit,
but mere talk tends only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23 ESV
 
This particular word for toil isn’t used very often in the Bible (six times for those who like to count such things!). The first time is when Eve is told she will toil, or have pain, in childbearing. Interestingly the toil of childbearing produces the wonderful gift of birthing a child. Hard work is itself a reward. Such a blessing to have something useful and productive to do. What hard work produces is also a reward.
 
What is mere talk like? Consider how many young men waste their lives on video games. Think about how many young women waste their lives chasing the latest fashion. It is talk that leads to poverty. You feel busy, but you aren’t. You are going around in circles and spending yourself for nothing. A vapor. There are so many examples of idle talking: weather, sports, news and so on. There are examples of wicked speech, which destroys: gossip, slander, malicious reporting.
 
When Jesus invites a man, or a woman, to follow Him, He calls them to profitable toil. Some will be evangelists, calling people from the mere talk that is bringing them to poverty of life poverty of future hope, and poverty of soul. Some will be teachers, who educate the curious in the ways of Jesus. Others will be given the gift of hospitality, so that ones received by Jesus will have food, lodging and proper care. Others have the gift of mercy—helping to heal wounds and restore community. Others have the gift of helping—financially, or fixing things that have been broken so that the formerly shriveled soul can now live in true community. Others will preach. Others will organize community so that people newly received can connect with those who have been members of long-standing.
 
Father in heaven, when You bring someone to Yourself, it is to enfold that one into Your family. There are so many avenues of welcome. You have given gifts to Your people so that all newcomers can be received, discipled, and mature in our holy faith. Forgive us for fields unwon. Forgive us for work undone. Forgive us for desiring exclude others because selfishly we only want to serve ourselves, people who we deem to be “our people” or like us. As You have brought us close in Christ, and equipped us with Your Spirit, renew in us a vigorous vision to receive others. Fix our eyes on Jesus, the lover of our souls, the Captain of Salvation, and Him Who is the Desired of all Nations. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/xd28CiLalec?si=j8WQsvyCKGFfWgCF Psalm 113 The Glory and Condescension of God
 

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