Poverty is not a good thing

Hello everyone, today we are studying Proverbs 22. This chapter is written very well. When I read the Bible, I liked this phrase: Its wages are riches and honor and life. I think this phrase is good. Poverty is not a good thing. I did not see poverty being viewed as a good thing in the Bible. I only saw this:

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4 NIV)

How good is this verse? If you are a smart person, how can you be poor? I think the theme of this chapter is about wealth and poverty. It is very important to remember that to be wealthy, honored, and rewarded with life, it is essential to have a humble heart that fears the Lord. Many people may ask: "Is the Mingding doctrine a Prosperity Theology?" I wonder if a failed ministry is better. Do you want to believe in a gospel that brings illness? I have never seen in the Bible that the fear of the Lord, and honoring God caused illness, poverty, or even the loss of life.

Have you noticed among us that we don't have to put in too much effort to preach the gospel? I don't want everyone to be poor or sick. I don't want people to be brought to the church all day long. Why, what is the point of dragging people here? Instead, I hope others are willing to come themselves. If they are not willing to come, is it not preaching to drag them here? Let’s not do this, it's not about dragging people or not, it's the path of life.

Do you want to be rich? Yes. Do you want to have a life? Yes. Everybody must know that this is a path of life. Think about it, if a group of poor people goes out to preach the gospel, others will say: I think you need the gospel more than I do. Is that really a gospel you are preaching?

In the Book of Genesis, Jacob grabbed a stick and came to his uncle Laban's house without a penny. Twenty years later, he became an extremely wealthy person. I didn’t read anything that says Jacob went with lots of sheep, cows, and property to Laban's house, but came with a stick. I haven't read that after Abraham went from Haran to the land of Canaan, he didn't even have a pair of pants left and could only wear shorts. That never happened. I just think this world is very interesting. Isn't it good to talk about success? I want to ask them, is a failure theology good? Which one do you want? Everyone wants success.

Someone said they finally found a verse in the Bible that says that being poor is better:

Jesus said to him, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20, NIV)

Although Jesus spoke these words, there is another verse in the Bible:

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9, NIV)

Jesus was nailed on the cross for us, so that we could be healed through His wounds, enriched through His poverty, and redeemed through His precious blood. This is the key message.

Loving money is the beginning of tragedy

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1 NIV)

Loving money is very useless. Everyone carefully observes that it is not those who love money who have money, but those who love God who have money. Of course, poverty and wealth have little to do with spirituality. But a spiritual person aligned with the will of God will not be poor. This is the key. What is in our heads? Is it money or God's favor? Are we interested in money or the honor of God?

If you observe, you will see that all tragedies in the world start with money. All the beautiful things in this world start with people caring about their name and caring about the grace of God. If you ask me what I care most about, I will tell you that I care about nothing but God.

I often encourage everyone to do practical things, and some people want to partner with me in business. But I tell you that I will never partner with you because I am the priest of God, and I care about my reputation a lot. Some people falsely accuse me, saying that I used to do business for him, but I didn’t. Since I was young, I didn't like to partner with others, and I don't want to do it still because I don't want to lose God's favor and my reputation.

My reputation is very expensive and cannot be ruined. I care about this matter. Someone said: "Can you help me with this? I can pay." I said: "I could help you, but you can't afford me."

Once a person is fixed on money, it becomes their core interest. Everyone should be careful, such people are very dangerous. When you make friends, you must examine your friend's attitude towards money. If his attitude towards money surpasses his love for his reputation, if he loves money more than loving God, then you must be careful. You may be deceived by him if you are not careful because those who deceive try to trick the people close to them.

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2, NIV)

Whether they are rich or poor, God wants to give them a chance to see if their name surpasses wealth after they become rich. God will choose these people to live well and be wealthy. Another trap would lead others into poverty, illness, and corruption. People can love money if they have money, or love money even if they don't have it. If they have money, they can love God, but if they don't have money, they can also love God. The key depends on what is inside their hearts, and their attitude towards money is very important.

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. (Proverbs 22:3, NIV)

The Bible records a prophet, Elijah. A commender named Naaman came to find him because he had leprosy. Elisha cured him of his leprosy. Naaman was going to give money to Elijah, but he didn’t want it because he thought if he took the money, leprosy would come on to him. After Naaman left, Elijah’s servant ran back and took all the money for himself. As a result, he became leprosy.

So, brothers and sisters, we should know that a good name is very important, and we should not be like Elijah’s servant. People should know to be an intelligent person. If a person becomes poor as they live, then

In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. (Proverbs 22:5 NIV)

To be a diligent and insightful person

How can a person protect their own life? They need to have a clear mind and not always fix their eyes on money. If a person always wants to make money, it is very deadly. I made an observation and saw that people who love money have been miserable for their whole life. How can people become poor? If a person is selfish, stingy, and easily angered, likes to compete, envy, and hate, no amount of money can withstand the snares they set, losing a little here and a little there.

Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. (Proverbs 22:8, NIV)

If a person loves money, they will do everything for money, and then it will become a sin. Then some people become arrogant after they have money, and as a result, they will quickly end up in poverty. Some people are rich and spiritually-minded, knowing God, while others are rich, lack spiritual depth, and do not know God. Some poor people love God, while others do not. But if you fear the Lord, it will be great.

The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth, and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty. (Proverbs 22:14-16, NIV)

Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life. (Proverbs 22:22-23, NIV)

After a person has a little money, they will love money very much. If you bully the poor at the gate of the city, God will deal with you, and you will become poor.

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. (Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV)

Such kinds of people will lose wealth, honor, and life.

Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge, or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors. (Proverbs 22:26-28, NIV)

Do not be a guarantor for a debtor, for it is like an endless pit, and you can't secure it. Many things you think you are taking advantage but you are losing. Why? Because it is God who governs in the affairs of men.

Understand what kind of person God likes

The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” (Proverbs 22:13, NIV)

You must know that God hates lazy people. No matter what, don't be lazy. Laziness leads to poverty. Among our brothers and sisters, those who lack money and blessings must change themselves. I have a hope in my heart that our brothers and sisters can understand what kind of people God likes, so we can be that kind of person. We should not be what kind of person God hates. Start learning to fear the Lord.

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7, NIV)

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9, NIV)

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. (Proverbs 22:11-12, NIV)

Intelligent people won't be poor! If you carefully observe the rich and the poor, the wise and the poor, then you will gradually discern some patterns.

So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve? (Proverbs 22:19-21, NIV)

Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. (Proverbs 22:29, NIV)

Serving God must be done with diligence. I am very diligent in my work. If you don’t know me, it doesn't matter. You can observe what I do. Because serving people is like serving God, not everyone I can serve, but as long as I can do it, I serve diligently.

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2 NIV)

Whether you are a wealthy person or a poor one, a simple test can reveal whether you fear the Lord and maintain humility.Because if you honor God, you will receive life and wealth.

I earnestly hope that our brothers and sisters can open their spiritual eyes and discern whether our conduct aligns with God's will. Do we act with knowledge, strategy, or ignorance? Or do we act with foolishness and ignorance? Sometimes we see this as taking advantage, but it enrages God. Our brothers and sisters should understand. You can not just look at money, you can’t be a fool. Do you see opportunities for serving people in your eyes?

There are some things you need to learn slowly. I have a lot of things to hide from because when we get closer, it's us who suffer losses. Not everything is an opportunity to make money. If the person you're doing business with is cursed, you need to be extra careful. Many people come to the church to find opportunities to make money, especially those who do multi-level marketing, or sell insurance through schemes. That is why I dislike these people.

I'm not just pointing at someone, but I've discovered it many times and it's really sad to see it. I asked him to serve another person, but he ended up selling his product. Attention everyone, if your pastor tries to sell a product to you, it's not my plan and it has nothing to do with me. You should stay away while also telling me so that I can kick him away.

Because we let him serve people, not sell things to others. Arranging him to pray for others, he didn't. Instead, he started doing business, either helping people sell things or selling things to others. If we all do this, is it still a church? Many people are buying and selling things in the church because it is a community and doing business is very convenient.

I'm telling you, there's only one opportunity you can find here in the church, which is to fear God, then you can get wealth, honor and life. God’s church is not a place to do business. If one day people find out that I have also been tricked and want to earn some money from you, and want to buy something for you, then I must be possessed by a ghost. I never talk about money or charge money when I help others. If you hear this recording from me online, whether it's on YouTube or our website, you should know that no one among us does business.

The church is not a place for selling, but a place to give blessings. If you are the person who has served and is willing to follow us on this path of life, we will walk with you. If you don't want to walk together, you can leave. I won’t force you to follow us.

Besides, brothers and sisters, you should think carefully about your decisions. Are you willing to follow a priest who loves money? That's scary. No one knows what gospel he preaches. Everyone should remember not to love money. When you come to me, whether you are rich or poor, I will serve you. I'm not trying to figure out how much money you have in your hand, because I know exactly what kind of people God likes and dislikes.

Today, I want to tell you that my life is dedicated to serving God, distributing His blessings, and being the priest of God. This is why my reputation is much more important than wealth. I ask you: "Can a person with a good reputation be poor?" Absolutely not! He will never be poor, because my God is a God who makes people rich. Where does my reward come from? It’s from God.

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. (Proverbs 12:9, NIV)

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. (Proverbs 12:11, NIV)

My opportunities and reputation are all in God’s hands. I once saw a person whose phone was broken and couldn't be fixed, so I gave him my phone. Then I will spend my own money to buy one. Many of our shepherds are also following me. I like to give things to others, why? Because it gives me a good name, they can take advantage of it but it's fine.

Some people are despicable. We serve them day and night, and when they are well, they forget us and leave. Not only did they leave, but they were talking bad about us. Don't listen, don't believe what they say. I haven't taken advantage of him at all. If you don't believe what I'm saying, you can observe. If a person loves money, you have to be careful what they say. Do you understand? Remember that poverty is not God's intention, but wealth cannot prove that he is a person who loves God.

Summary

Brothers and sisters, you need to have a true understanding of poverty and wealth. You should know that our God is wealthy. Why do some people become poor? Poverty and wealth cannot prove anything. We don't want to judge people through these things, we just want to do our best to love God, worship him, and walk his way. If you are a child, you should have a righteous heart and mind from a young age, and never leave this path of life until old age. You will be rewarded with wealth and respect in life. It's difficult for an obedient person to walk this path, they will ruin their entire life.
So be careful. Think about it, if someone oppresses poor people for their gain, how can they not be poor in the future? Do you understand?

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.(Proverbs 22:1-2, NIV)

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4, NIV)

May God bless everyone.

Key Words: Poverty, poor, wealth, spiritual, love money, fear the Lord, diligent, insightful, people, gain, life