Torah and Wealth
28: 1-11
A proverb is a short and memorable saying designed to be our blueprint for living in the world that ADONAI has created. It is important to note that proverbs are not promises; they are generally true principles, all other things being equal.
We have seen that there are major differences between Proverbs and the teaching of Yeshua (to see link click Da – Ten Sayings about Wealth). In his book Jesus and Proverbs, Reconciling the teachings of Jesus and Proverbs regarding money and business, Gary Miller examines four ways that both messages have powerful roles to play in our lives.
1. Proverbs provides the how, and Yeshua provides the why. Proverbs tell us how to produce income, and the teachings of Yeshua tell us why. Proverbs provides the tools to make the material world work for us. We learn that it is important to get out of bed in the morning, that we need to be out in the field/workplace to survive, and that we must plan ahead. In the B’rit Chadashah we discover why ADONAI wants us to be involved in these activities. We are to use money to provide for our families (First Timothy 5:8), to assist the fatherless and widows (James 1:27), and to send aid to needy believers around the world (Second Corinthians 8:14). None of this is possible without industry, and nothing surpasses Proverbs in teaching how to make business profitable.
2. Money can be useful in furthering the Kingdom. In some ways it would be easier if Yeshua had just told us to stay away from money. Sometimes I see young people taking this position out of reaction. But Yeshua didn’t say this. In fact, He taught that, as dangerous as money is, it can be useful in the Kingdom. One of the most lengthy and difficult parables the Master told was the story of the shrewd manager (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Hw – The Parable of the Shrewd Manager). Through the years men have wrestled to understand why Yeshua used an unrighteous man to illustrate a godly concept. But the concluding message is clear. While we are not to serve money, it can be useful if furthering the Kingdom of God. Paul picked up this theme in his letter to the church at Ephesus when he encouraged them to earn money so they would be able to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28b).
3. Surrendering what is right and fair. Proverbs describes what is right and fair and has many teachings regarding cause and effect. If you do certain things, you can expect certain results. It describes what is just and fair, every business owner should be familiar with it. But the teachings of Yeshua take us far beyond the pursuit of what is right and fair. They call us to lay down our personal rights – to not insist on receiving what may be fair and equitable, and to consider each business transaction from the other person’s perspective. Yeshua doesn’t disagree with the teaching of Proverbs describing fair treatment. He just taught us not to insist on it.
4. Wealth is to be accumulated. Both Proverbs and the teachings of Yeshua encourage accumulation of wealth. But while Proverbs primarily focuses on the blessings that come from accumulating temporal wealth (Proverbs 14:24), Yeshua’s teachings emphasize another kind of treasure and a different place to save. In contrast to temporal wealth, which is subject to moth, rust, and thieves, Messiah reveals a savings account surpassing any security measures man can provide: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:19). He says we can direct-deposit into this heavenly account now. Imagine that! You can almost sense the excitement in our Lord’s voice as He urges His listeners: Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out. Purses is a metaphor for the contents in them. In other words, one should not even attempt to use one’s earthly money to lay up treasure in heaven. But by being generous with your money, you will store up a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys (Luke 12:33). Business owners are interested in a return on investments. There is no greater risk-free investment being offered today, and wise business owners will shift their assets to this heavenly account as quickly as possible.
The book of Proverbs contains the universal building blocks to help us provide for our families. I can think of no better resource for a young man or woman who wants to understand how to make the material work for them. It will teach them to work hard and plan ahead, it will provide the principles for successful business operation. Everyone should become familiar with this teaching. But in the middle of our hustle and bustle, it is essential to stop and ask why diligence and good work ethic are so important. Proverbs and the teachings of Yeshua are meant to complement each other.
An entrepreneur loves logic, challenge, production, common sense, and the business would naturally reward those who pursue these attributes. Consequently, believers who enjoy business can become enamored with the biblical truths in Proverbs and give less attention to the call of Messiah. Beware! One who lives only by the teachings of Proverbs is a fool!519
The wicked flee when no one pursues them; but the godly are as bold as a lion (28:1 NIV). One of the reasons we don’t fear ADONAI enough is that we fear people too much. We fear their disapproval. We think that our self-esteem comes from the approval of other people. But wisdom redirects our hunger for approval. Whose smile really satisfies us? If ADONAI approves of us, that should be enough. If you are “in Messiah” today (Ephesians 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, 1:9, 1:12-13, 2:1, 2:6-7, 2:10, 2:13, 3:11, 3:21, 4:32), God wants you to know that your relationship with Him is pre-approved. He will correct you as needed, but He will not reject you (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Ms – The Eternal Security of the Believer). That assurance continually draws our hearts toward Him. The Bible says that when we are filled with spiritual wisdom, our goal changes; we want to be entirely pleasing to Him (Colossians 1:10 CJB). We’d like to please everybody; but we must please Him. This is the fear of ADONAI (see Ai – The Fear of ADONAI is the Beginning of Wisdom). Wouldn’t it be great to stop fearing people so much?
Here is how. Since the fear of ADONAI is the beginning of wisdom, the fear of people is the beginning of foolishness. Let’s all admit, that is a real problem among us. We are always performing, hoping for applause. Then we can consider ourselves successful; then we can feel good about ourselves. We even perform in front of ourselves, in the theater of our minds. We are constantly going onstage to build emotional capital from human applause and attention. But it’s all false. What if people found out the truth about us? Our idol is human approval. Our heaven is the spotlight. Our hell is bad reviews. Our ritual worship is to keep up appearances. We have the wrong fear. And that wrong fear is the beginning, the entry point, the thin edge of wedge for folly. Living a lie hollows us out. We end up so insecure, we flee even when no one is pursuing us – always fugitives, never settled in one place.
To fear ADONAI means His opinion is the only thing that matters. We have an audience of One. And He promises His approval through Yeshua Messiah. The Gospel puts the Master on stage for us and says, “You can stop posing, you can stop fearing exposure. You can stop looking over your shoulder and worrying about the sins of yesterday. You can know for sure today that goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6) because of the Messiah. If you fear ADONAI enough to let His Gospel satisfy you, then you will be bold and confident and valiant as a lion, like Messiah Himself (see the commentary on Revelation Ce – The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David has Triumphed).520
When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. The translation of the first colon is relatively clear, and its point is almost as transparent. Basically, the point is that the offense of a nation will lead to the increase of many leaders, which is not a good thing. Long-lived benevolent rulers are the best circumstance for a nation, providing it with stability and security. The offense in this parable may well have been rebellion, which itself could introduce instability into a nation. Many leaders may point to the fragmentation of a previously united land (see the commentary on the Life of Solomon Dn – The Kings of Isra’el). But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability (28:2 NLT). The second colon simply asserts that people of wisdom and understanding know that rebellion will lead to trouble, so they remain loyal to ADONAI and the Torah, therefore avoid the destructive consequences.
A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food (28:3 Hebrew). Those who try to get something out of the poor are trying to get “blood out of a rock,” as the modern saying goes. This proverb envisions an especially pitiful scene as poor people oppress other poor people, leading to devastating results. People who have nothing, try to get something from people who have nothing, which leads to nothing. The driving rain that washes away food may refer to crop-destroying rains that ruin a harvest (26:1a).521
Those who abandon the Torah praise the wicked, but those who obey the Torah oppose them (28:4 CJB). This proverb speaks of those who abandon the Torah. The verb denotes a divorce, as in a wife who is abandoned (Isaiah 60:15). Thus, when Solomon speaks of one who abandons the Torah, he means someone who was familiar with it first. This is more than rejection by an unbeliever, but refers to one who follows the Word for a while and then abandons it. Such people often end up praising the wicked. The apostate often leaves God’s teaching in pursuit of the fruits of a sign, saying in his heart, “God will not punish the wicked, so why be religious?” By the same principle, those who do follow the teachings of ADONAI generally end up opposing those who abandon the faith. Their apostasy makes us angry.
The righteous and the wicked are contrasted many times in Proverbs (see Cl – Consequences of Righteousness and Wickedness). Ha’Shem punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. But here we see a contrast based completely within the realm of human relationships. The Torah separates the righteous from the wicked. Even more so, abandoning the Torah separates the righteous from the wicked. There is more hope for a sinner who has not yet discovered God’s perfect teaching, than for one who knows it and has left it for the world. They went out from us, but they weren’t part of us; for if they had been part of us, they would have remained with us [in the church] (First John 2:19 CJB).
Ironically, Solomon didn’t ultimately follow his own advice. He became one who abandoned the Torah. He committed spiritual adultery with the wicked rulers of foreign nations. And the righteous of the TaNaKh battled with him, as we can see in the story of Ahijah, who came at the bidding of God to give ten of the tribes of Solomon’s kingdom to another ruler (see the Life of Solomon Bz – The First Prophecy of Ahijah). Isra’el’s unity came to an end, just as the proverb ironically warned – through Solomon abandoning the Torah.
Do you know someone who has rejected ADONAI’s teaching? Perhaps that person used to attend the congregation, but now won’t come near it. He might be like Dave, who became bitter with YHVH after finding out that his wife had committed adultery. Dave has abandoned God. Or he might be like Mike, who read certain books that convinced him that the Bible is not the Word of God. How can we convince them that they have abandoned their only source of help? It is not right to despise them, but we can fight for their souls, as Jude says: Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh (see Jude Az – Be Merciful to Those Who Doubt, Snatch Others from the Fire, to Others Show Mercy, Mixed with Fear).522
Evil people don’t understand justice. This first colon is obviously true. Understanding involves more than mere awareness of the concept of justice. It implies that they appreciate it. Evil people don’t want to understand justice because they live lives that are at odds with justice. Not only that, they do not see the divine justice that will catch up with them. On the other hand, those who seek ADONAI understand fully (28:5 CJB). One question that we may ask is, “What does the proverb mean fully?” It would be really egotistical to be calm to fully know anything in this world. It probably is best to restrict the word fully to matters of justice. After all, those who seek YHVH are wise, and they want to know His will. ADONAI defines the nature of justice, so by knowing Him, they come to know His justice.
Better to be poor and honest than one who walks crooked paths and is wealthy (28:6 Hebrew). This “better-than” proverb provides a relative judgment between integrity and wealth. Nothing is wrong with wealth in and of itself, but if a decision must be made, it is clear that integrity is more important, and wealth should be sacrificed. Proverbs 19:1 provides a similar idea: Better to be poor and honest than one whose lips are crooked and is a fool. The metaphor of walking on a path, so familiar in Chapters 1-9, underlines this proverb. There are two paths. There is a path of the righteous (see Cc – The Path of the Righteous), and a path of the wicked (see Az – Don’t Follow the Path of the Wicked).
A wise son follows instruction, but those with worthless friends bring shame to his father (28:7 Hebrew). This proverb, presuming a wise father, gauges the child’s wisdom by whether the parent is shamed by his or her actions. As in 28:4, the term “instruction” (Hebrew: torah) could hypothetically refer to either the mitzvot of ADONAI in the Torah, or to the father’s advice. Elsewhere in Proverbs, the father encourages moderation, and lack of control in one’s diet is criticized (23:1-3). It is possible the instruction here refers to the advice that we find represented in Proverbs itself, but we should also refer to Deuteronomy, where a son is described as a stubborn and rebellious son who does not listen to the voice of his father or mother (see Deuteronomy Ds – The Tale of Two Sons: The rebellious son).
Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor (28:8 NLT). Wealth is good and often considered a sign of wisdom and the blessing of God (3:9-10, 10:15 and 22). But not always. Proverbs recognizes that some people gain wealth illegitimately (11:8, 21:6 and 22:16), and one such illegitimate way is through charging high interest rates. Charging any interest to fellow Israelites violated a mitzvah of the Torah (see Deuteronomy Ef – Don’t Gouge Your Brother: No interest for the Jew). Here, the consequence is that wealth would be taken away and given to someone who would be kind to the poor. Proverbs often encourages generosity to the poor (11:24, 28:27, 29:7 and 14).523
If a person will not listen to the Torah, even his prayers are an abomination (28:9 CJB). This proverb paints a picture of ADONAI, betrayed and disgusted with those who refuse to listen to the Torah (Hebrew: teaching). This proverb could possibly refer to general instruction and not specifically to the Torah. Even so, this verse rings true. People who are unteachable often hold an inflated opinion of their own knowledge, an attitude that reflects on their relationship with God. For anyone who cannot bring himself to learn from other humans is not likely not to be open to learn the hard lessons that YHVH desires of him.
The word translated abomination (Hebrew: to’evah) is the same word used to describe sexual sins, including homosexuality, bestiality, and incest (see Leviticus De – Homosexuality). This is a strong word. The prayers of those who reject God’s teaching are offensive to Him. Far from winning points with God, those who reject His Word (John 1:1 and 14) and then offer Him a prayer, are offending Him by their pretense.
Yeshua and the prophets spoke of such pretense. Samuel rebuked Sha’ul’s ritualism: To obey is better than sacrifice (First Samuel 15:22). Isaiah spoke for God who cried out: Why are all those sacrifices offensive to me (Isaiah 1:11). Hosea also spoke for ADONAI who teaches: What I desire is chesed (see the commentary on Ruth Af – The Concept of Chesed), not sacrifices, knowledge of God more than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6). Yeshua blasted hypocrites who fasted with grimaced faces or who drew attention to themselves by praying loudly on street corners (Matthew 6:5 and 16). They all practiced ritualism.
Marriage is a useful analogy for understanding God’s point of view on this matter. Imagine a husband who speaks romantically to his wife and yet is known to be cheating on her. Imagine the disgust with which those romantic words are met, words that would otherwise bring joy and warmth. So are the words offered to God by those who are not faithful to His Word.
There is a common idea that it is possible to “put in one’s time” with ADONAI. This fallacy occurs on many levels, and includes those who practice empty ritual (a prayer book, a service at the congregation, or even “quiet time”) instead of knowing and obeying the living God. This may be an unbeliever who hides behind the practice of religion, a secular person who scoffs at God’s Word, yet speaks of a “personal spirituality,” or even a believer who has “personal devotions” out in nature and believes that he doesn’t need the Body of Messiah. But those who reject God’s Word are not in communion with Him. This is not to be confused with sins of weakness or failure, but refers to willful rejection of God’s teaching in any area. Turning away is an active rebellion. It would be better not to pray, unless it’s a prayer of repentance.524
Whoever causes the honest to pursue evil ways will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance (28:10 Hebrew). It is bad enough being wicked, but it is even worse for one who is walking on the straight path to go astray. Those who might be tempted to influence the righteous of the TaNaKh to act wickedly are warned that they are the ones who will suffer. Jesus said to His apostles, “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.” Using the graphic image of the millstone, Christ told the Twelve that it would be better for them to die than to be the source of another person’s sin. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone (a heavy stone for grinding grain) tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones, the weak and vulnerable for whom Messiah had so much concern, to stumble (Luke 17:1-2). Here and elsewhere in Proverbs, the wicked are told they will experience the pain that they want to inflict on others. On the other hand, the blameless, those who do act with honesty and wisdom, will receive a good inheritance.
The wealthy are wise in their own eyes, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them (28:11 Hebrew). The contrast between the wealthy and the poor is just to make the contrast between those who pretend and those who can see right through them all the more dramatic. In Proverbs, wealth is better than poverty, but as the wealthy use their wealth to cheat others, then their wealth is worse than poverty. The expression in their own eyes is used a number of times in Proverbs (3:7, 12:15, 26:5) to refer to egotism. Wealth can sometimes cloud the mind so that the rich think that the wealthy are so smart that they became wealthy on their own, leaving God out of the picture. This breeds an attitude of conceit and self-reliance. On the other hand, a wise person, a person with discernment, even if poor, can see right through them.525
Dear heavenly Father, praise You for being so absolutely wonderful, loving and just, all at the same time! How important it is to never leave you out of the picture of our lives. Money may make the picture of our lives a bit more comfortable, but money disappears and is gone. A loving relationship with You lasts for all eternity and is worth far more than all the money in the world! You are always there to help and to guide me! For God Himself has said: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5c). What a joy it is to know that when I am perplexed about what to do in life, I can always run to Your Word seeking Your wisdom. If Your Word doesn’t talk specifically about the situation, then I can run to You in prayer and You promise to answer! But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him (James 1:5). Your Word enlightens me on how to be wise with my time and money. In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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