Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:  

Proverbs 28:19-20 (KJV):
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 28:19-20 (AMP):
19 He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless people and pursuits will have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich (at any cost) shall not go unpunished.

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses from Proverbs tell us that those who are diligent in laboring will be blessed, while those who look for ways to "get rich quick" will suffer the consequences. Honest work will always be rewarded, while those who scheme or gamble to get wealth will not go unpunished. Gambling is one of the fastest growing addictions in the world. Like alcoholism and drug addiction, compulsive gambling is costly to the economy. Families are the ones who suffer the most. Many people feel gambling is only a game that is fun, but the Bible tells us this evil is a terrible sin that will lead to poverty.

Proverbs 28:22: He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Gambling is the ultimate "get-rich-quick" scheme. As gambling spreads more and more, Christians need to have the Bible's instruction about this money robber. The Bible declares that it is wrong to bet money on the possibility of becoming instantly rich.

Proverbs 22:16: He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want.

People who gamble give to the pool of money that composes great wealth. This causes them to give to the rich and as Proverbs 22:16 says "...he who gives to the rich will surely come to want." Our states are also reaping a type of "poverty" where gambling exists, because it undermines the work ethic. The result is lowered productivity, use of work time to gamble, absenteeism, high rates of business failure, and repeated non-payment of loans, mortgages and other financial obligations. Gambling is, to many, a scheme to escape labor.

Some Christians argue that gambling does no harm. However, the scripture is clear that this activity is sinful. Anytime someone is enticed to gain money at someone else's certain loss, this is definitely not practicing the principles taught by Christ. Also, the practice of gambling takes away from the Bible's principles of economics -- working, saving and giving. Discipline and accountability for spending are ignored. Gambling preys on the weakness of others.

Many Christians are guilty of supporting lotteries, bingo, horse racing, and even playing at the casinos. Video poker has become so popular, it is now referred to as "the crack cocaine of gambling." Some do not realize the gravity of their sin. They justify gambling simply because they have needs that cannot be met through their present earned income. The Lord desires to meet those needs for them and will give them a plan for becoming debt free, if they seek Him, and His economic principles in the Bible.

The Lord can bring deliverance to those caught in this web of compulsive gambling. Through admission of this sin and repentance, God will break the bondage of it in those who desire to be set free. Gamblers need love and acceptance, but they must repent in order to be free. The Lord loves those who are addicted to gambling and will help all that call upon Him for deliverance. Doing an honest day's work is the way to earn a living and faithfulness to a job will bring its own reward. God's blessings upon honest labor goes beyond any paycheck.  No man can buy peace of mind, health, protection and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 6:6-11:
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings, and help me to be content with Your daily provision in my life. Deliver me from all worry and anxiety. Lord, help those who have fallen into the snare of gambling.  Deliver them and set them free so that they will be able to trust You for their needs.  May we all be content with Your daily provisions. Thank You for Your wonderful gifts of love, joy and peace, which cannot be purchased with any amount of money.  I am most grateful.  In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.