Seeds of Wisdom on Finances

God has an amazing financial plan for His people. This plan includes riches.

"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22)

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

"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:18)

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

The Bible is clear that wisdom is the pathway to riches.

"The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly." (Proverbs 14:24)

"Length of days is in her (wisdom's) right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor." (Proverbs 3:16)

"Riches and honor are with me; (wisdom) yea, durable riches and righteousness." (Proverbs 8:18)

Wisdom is Personified in Christ Jesus.

"But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

The scriptures are the instrument through which we learn the Wisdom of God.

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15)

The wisdom of God's Word develops our character which in turn, prepares us to handle the abundance of monies.

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52)

Notice the sequence. This is God's order. First wisdom, then stature, and afterward, favor. If we are to experience unlimited financial favor, there is first a preparation for this glory. We must attain a particular stature in order to handle the level of favor that God has in mind for us. God's Word contains the wisdom that empowers our state (stature) for unlimited financial supply. This word "stature" is the Greek word hēlikia which means: maturity (in years or size). This particular word carries with it the thought of arriving at a suitable age or level of maturity, thus, being equipped to handle kingdom affairs. Metaphorically it speaks of an attained state fit for a thing. As we grow in the wisdom of God's Word concerning finances, we arrive at a state in which we are fit and suitable for God's unlimited supply. I ask, What good is favor if we are unwise or unprepared for it? The Bible is clear that prosperity will ruin a fool (Proverbs 1:32).

As we study the scripture concerning finances, we are provided wisdom and insight concerning the purpose and plan of God in this particular area.

In order to grow financially, we simply plant financial Word seeds into our heart. This seed will bring forth after its kind. Whatever is sown is the very thing that will be harvested. For example, if it's joy you need, simply look at what God's Word has to say about joy. In doing so, you are planting this joy Word seed into your heart. The planted Word will bring forth a harvest of joy within your soul. If it's peace you need, simply plant Word seeds of peace and the Word will bring forth peace within you! In this study, we are discussing finances. In order to grow financially, we must plant Word seeds concerning God's plan for our finances. The Word makes us wise, teaching us how to prosper and also the purpose of this prosperity. Let's look briefly at both the how and the purpose of financial increase. First, let's consider the purpose of prosperity.

"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor My righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." (Psalms 35:27)

Notice, the Lord has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. This is because a servant will serve the purpose of God with his prosperity. God declared emphatically, "The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts."(Haggai 2:8) We are merely stewards of God's money. As stewards, we are simply channels of God's blessings to the world. A steward is one engaged or employed to manage another person's property. He doesn't own the property. As we understand this reality, we will discover God has no problem getting abundant financial resources into our hands. God will always bring to us what we allow to flow through us.

Understanding that God wants us to prosper financially is vital. It is also vital to know the purpose of financial prosperity. Let's consider together ten purposes for financial prosperity.

1. Financial prosperity empowers us to be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:1-2)
2. Financial prosperity is given for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17)
3. Financial prosperity is a means of provision for our family (1 Timothy 5:8)
4. Financial prosperity keeps us out of debt (Deuteronomy 15:6, 28:12)
5. Financial prosperity keeps us out of bondage (Proverbs 22:7)
6. Financial prosperity enables us to bless the poor (Proverbs 19:17, Deuteronomy 15:11)
7. Financial prosperity enables us to support the work of God (Haggai 1:3-11)

Remember when God delivered His people from Egyptian slavery? He did not bring them out empty handed.

"And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed (required) of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians." (Exodus 12:35-36)

Once in the wilderness, God instructed Moses concerning the building of the tabernacle. The construction of the tabernacle and its furnishing would require silver, gold, bronze, fine linen, etc. God instructed Moses to receive a free-will offering from the people for the building and furnishing of this tabernacle. But they were in the middle of a desert; where would they get the jewels, gold, and fine linen needed to furnish such an edifice? Beloved, they already had them. God had supernaturally supplied these when He gave His people favor to spoil the Egyptians at their departure. One of the purposes of this wealth was for the building of the tabernacle. Although God had supernaturally supplied this wealth, the offering for the construction of the tabernacle had to be a freewill offering. God loves a cheerful giver!

8. Financial prosperity enables us to support our Spiritual leaders

God's Word is clear. "They which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:14) God's Word is also clear as to the means through which preachers are supported.

"Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." (Galatians 6:6)

The Amplified Bible says:

"Let him who receives instruction in the Word [of God] share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his support]."

As believers, we have the distinct pleasure to reciprocate with our teachers. These teachers tread out the corn of God's Word and deliver this Word to us. We interact with our teachers by contributing to their support financially.

"If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?" (1 Corinthians 9:11)

The Amplified says: "If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?"

Paul further elaborates this truth in First Timothy, saying:

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward." (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

Every Pastor or Spiritual leader should labor in Word and doctrine. The spiritual leader should be diligent in his or her studies of the Holy Scriptures so as to always deliver a living Word to God's people. In return, God's people should reciprocate this diligence with double honor.

This word "honor" is the Greek word timē which means: value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself. Clearly, the monies rendered to one's teacher show value, respect, and dignity. There is no true honor apart from an honorarium. Again, the honorarium rendered defines respect, value, and the level of esteem we place on our leaders. Monies sown into the lives of teachers, mentors, spiritual fathers, etc., are highly beneficial to the sower. When we sow to a mentor or spiritual father, we are sowing our monies up. This level of seed sowing is called a heave offering. This is sowing to those who are over us in the Lord. As we sow up, we can, and should, expect a downward flow of financial favor upon our lives.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." (Psalms 133)

This psalm reveals the directional flow of the anointing. The anointing always flows down. Notice, the anointing began with the head and flowed down to the beard. From the beard, it flowed down to the skirts or fringes of Aaron's garment. The "Head" speaks of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Head of the church which is His body. The "beard" speaks of the mature (little boys, who are still immature, don't grow beards . . . men do). This "beard company" are those who are anointed to speak God's Word to the body. As the beard cleaves to the face, even so, these mature ones cleave to the Lord Jesus. From the beard, the anointing flows all the way down to the skirts of the garment. The garment is that which covers the body. Thus, the body of Christ is portrayed by this garment. As we heave up our offerings and support, the anointing upon our oversight flows down upon our lives. As the anointing flows down, it continues to build in momentum. For this reason, one should always sow up before sowing down. To sow down is to sow to the poor and less fortunate. This level of sowing will bring back that which one has sown (Proverbs 19:17). Sowing up, on the other hand, will bring an unlimited supply of wealth. Paul wrote to Philippi, saying: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Give your attention to the following four points worth noting from this statement:

1. This declaration of Paul was personal . . . My God shall supply all your need.
2. My God shall supply all your need. Implying a sure return.
3. My God shall supply all your need. Implying that there will be no lack of any kind.
4. And finally, My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory. Implying that the followers at Philippi would have access to unlimited financial blessing. Had Paul said, "My God shall supply all your need out of His riches in glory," this would imply that they had access to a measure of God's riches. But when Paul declares, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory," this shows that God's entire riches are the measure!

Why does Paul say my God instead of our God? Notice, Paul's statement concerning God's supernatural supply to the Philippians comes on the heels of this passage:

"Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only." (Philippians 4:15)

The followers at Philippi had interacted with Paul in giving and receiving. The believers there invested in Paul, not once, but often ministered to his need (Philippians 4:16). They were very generous in their giving to the apostle, for he declared: "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." Paul encouraged them in their giving to him "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Paul had a deep desire to see the believers at Philippi abound financially. Paul understood that their financial interaction with him would cause fruit to abound to their account. Their support of Paul partnered and connected them with Paul's ministry and anointing. Thus they became partakers of the favor upon Paul's life. I call this "identification through association." As we associate with spiritual fathers, mentors, etc., we likewise participate and connect to the anointing upon their lives. This is why Paul declares, "My God shall supply all your need." This is a vital point . . . We grow where we sow! We always reap from the field into which we have sown.

Notice how Paul makes this so personal. He speaks of:

• MY Grace (Philippians 1:7)
• MY Gospel (Romans 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8)
• MY Spirit (1 Corinthians 5:4)
• MY God (Philippians 4:19)
• MY Knowledge (Ephesians 3:3-5)

These passages disclose the power of compounding the Anointing. One could actually be a partaker of Paul’s: grace, gospel, spirit, God, and knowledge.

“Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.” (Philippians 1:7)

Clearly, these followers were partakers of the grace of God in Paul’s life. In reading verses 3-5 of this chapter, we find out why this was so.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5)

This word “fellowship” is the Greek Word koinōnia which means: partnership, participation, or (social) intercourse; or (pecuniary) benefaction.

These followers had partnered with Paul in ministry and had therefore become “benefactors” of the anointing upon his life. We see this pattern throughout the Bible.

“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9)

The anointing of Moses was transferred onto Joshua by the laying on of his hands. I like to say, Joshua was close enough for Moses to put his hands upon him. We should likewise walk closely to those who teach us in the Word. The hand of the Lord upon their lives and working in them will rub off on us through this association. Joshua postured himself for this transfer of glory by serving the purpose of God in Moses' life.

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister...” (Joshua 1:1)

As we minister unto mentors, we likewise receive the downward flow of the anointing that is upon them. This word "minister" is the Hebrew word šāraṯ meaning: to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to. As Joshua contributed to the call of God on Moses' life, he received of the precious anointing and blessing that was upon him. The Lord spoke unto Joshua saying,

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Joshua 1:5)

The same favor of God that was upon Moses, is now upon Joshua. Why? Because Joshua served God’s purpose in Moses' life. Joshua contributed to Moses' success; he was a constant support to the man of God. Moses could have very well said to Joshua, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory."

We see this same principle in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. When Elijah ascended into heaven in a whirlwind his mantle fell back to Elisha. From that day forward Elisha walked in a double portion anointing. The sons of the prophets declared,

"The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.” (2 Kings 2:15)

Do you see it beloved? The spirit that empowered the great prophet Elijah was now transferred to Elisha. Elijah could have very well said to Elisha, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory." Why did Elijah's mantle fall to Elisha? What qualified Elisha for this greater glory? The record states that "Elisha poured water on the hands of Elisha" (2 Kings 3:11). The pouring of water suggests that Elisha refreshed Elijah. The Amplified Bible says, Elisha served Elijah. The Message Bible says, Elisha was Elijah's right-hand man. Both Joshua and Elisha are great examples of those who sowed up into the lives of great men.

Beloved, if you want greatness to show up, you must learn to sow up! The question is asked, "How do I know which ministry I should sow into?" It’s simple, always invest in the ministries which have invested in you. If they have fed you a living Word, one that has catapulted your heart and mind into greater dimensions you should reward them financially. This connection will cause a release of the greater anointing upon your life. Please understand, it's not the money that causes this release, but rather, it’s the honor that flows from the heart.

"And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth." (Genesis 1:28, Amplified Bible) 

What an amazing truth! God’s intention is that His people use the vast resources of Earth in the service of God and man. Notice, there are two specific areas to which we are to use these resources:

1. To Serve God
2. To Serve Man

What does it mean to serve man with earth’s resources? First of all, as believers, we must receive by faith that God intends for us to possess these vast resources. It's quite obvious that we cannot use the vast resources of earth until they are first in our possession. To serve man with these resources, suggests that we help people in need. If someone is hurting, naked, or without the necessities of life, we have the ability to lend a helping hand. This is primarily sowing to the poor and needy. To serve God with these resources suggests that we support the men and women who stand in His stead upon the earth, sowing up to spiritual fathers and mentors. As we are faithful to serve in this manner, we are likewise postured for the power of God’s glory to rest upon our lives in ever-increasing glory.

"And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?" (Luke 16:12)

Our faithfulness to that which is another man's, launches us into our own place of wealth, power, and increase in the kingdom of God.

9. Financial Prosperity Is The Reward Of Diligence

The Bible is clear . . . "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." (Proverbs 10:4)

The "hand" speaks of the extension of oneself. The hand represents an action or outward expression of one’s internal state. If our internal state is poor, our hand will be slack. However, if our internal state is diligent, our hand or actions will make us rich!

"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." (Proverbs 21:5)

This word "plenteousness" is the Hebrew word "môṯâr" which means: to gain or superiority. It comes from the word "yâṯar" meaning; to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively, to leave, cause to abound, preserve.

The man who has a diligent soul thinks exclusively from a realm of superiority. This man sees himself superior to sin, sickness, poverty, and all adversity. This man never considers the possibility of failure but only sees gain and prosperity in his life. This is because God’s Word has taken root in his heart. His heart is diligent, steadfast, and unwavering! Out of the abundance of His heart, his mouth speaks! He is in agreement with God! His wholesome tongue is a tree of life (see Proverbs 15:4). He has returned to the garden of God’s presence.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

Notice, the issues of Life proceed from the heart. Jesus said,

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. . .” (Matthew 15:18-19)

It's clear that the heart of man is the ruling factor. Whatever is in the heart (be it life or murder), it will pour forth into the external world. The writer of Proverbs says we are to keep our heart with all diligence. We are to see to it that Life, not death, infiltrates our heart.

How do we accomplish this? How do we assure ourselves that Life (not death) will flow from us? Proverbs 4:20-22 holds our answer.

"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."

We assure and strengthen our hearts by attending to God’s Word. This is the Hebrew word "qâšaḇ" meaning: to prick up the ears, to hearken. This word "attend" also carries the thought of regard and deep respect. The more we respect God’s Word, the greater our ears are awakened to hear its truth until finally, God’s Word becomes more real to us than the circumstantial world around us. The writer of Proverbs says we are not to allow God’s Word to depart from our eyes. Instead, we are to give undivided attention to God’s voice. We see things from His perspective. When God’s Word says, "The Blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and he adds that no sorrow with it," our heart is in full agreement. Immediately, we see ourselves rich! We keep this Word in the midst of our heart by meditating and musing over the Word constantly. We soon discover that God’s Word carries inherent power. This Word contains and carries the ability “within itself” to do what it says. Our heart is the good ground for the sowing of God’s Word! The apostle Paul declared,

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (2 Peter 1:10) 

A diligent search of God’s Word creates a diligent heart within the believer.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God! Those who have their hearts purified by God’s Truth shall see God. They shall see God in the health of their body, in the peace of their mind, and in the increase of their finances.

10. Financial Prosperity Is The Reward Of Your Seed

Every blood-bought child of God needs to understand two things about the seed:

1. God always multiplies the seed when it's sown in faith.
2. God always supplies seed to the sower.

Go ahead beloved, decide right now that you are a sower. If you are indeed a sower, God will supernaturally supply you with financial seed.

"Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness. . ." (2 Corinthians 9:10) 

The question arises, How does God supply seed to the sower? The answer is most marvelous! This passage in 2 Corinthians is a quotation from Isaiah 55. As we look at Isaiah 55, we see how God supplies the seed for the sower.

"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater." (Isaiah 55:10) 

Notice carefully, God causes rain and snow to come down from heaven to water the earth. This rain/reign from heaven causes the earth to "bring forth and bud" that it (the earth) may give seed to the sower. This passage contains a marvelous truth concerning seed provision that is largely unrecognized by God’s people. This passage is clear that the budding of the earth happens first in order to provide seed. In other words, God doesn't give us a seed and tell us to grow a harvest (bud), but rather, He gives us a harvest and tells us to sow a seed. That's right, beloved! According to this passage, the harvest comes before the seed. Actually, the harvest is God’s way of providing seed to the sower. We see this principle from the very beginning. God didn't give Adam a seed and tell him to grow a garden. Rather, God placed Adam in a garden (harvest) wherein there was seed.

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:11-12) 

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." (Genesis 1:29)

Notice, God did not give Adam seed, but He gave him every tree that yielded seed! Adam had the distinct pleasure to eat the fruit (harvest) of the trees in order to get the seed to sow. The seed was in the fruit! Adam was to eat and partake of the fruit, but he should sow the seed. In so doing, the garden (harvest) would increase around him. Even so, if we are sowers, God will inevitably give us a harvest. As increase comes to us, we have every right to enjoy the fruit of our harvest. However, let us be sure that we don’t eat the seed. Recognizing the seed and sowing it into God’s kingdom, further grows our financial garden. Beloved, if you are indeed a sower, you should expect God to bring you a harvest in order to provide seed. Pray for the insight to recognize your harvest when it comes. Many receive harvest from the Lord and consume it all for themselves. However, it is vital that we learn to recognize the purpose for increase. In every harvest, seed has been provided so that our financial status perpetually increases with the increase of God!