“In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.” (Proverbs 15:6)
Look closely at what Solomon is contrasting here—treasure and trouble. And the “trouble” he identifies is tied to “revenues” which is one of the very things our culture highly values. However, the wicked in this proverb have plenty of money, yet their house is full of trouble.
The Bible is making it clear that real treasure is never money, especially when gained apart from righteousness.
What a priceless lesson. I’ve worked myself into ridiculous levels of exhaustion working for more money. I’ve poured my energy, time, and our health into things I cannot take with me. Meanwhile, I’ve given God whatever is left over. And at the end of all that striving, I didn’t have more peace; in fact, I had more anxiety! But Jesus lovingly instructed us on how to have REAL treasure!
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
I look back over those seasons when my bank account was full but yet my soul was starving and know that I possessed worthless treasure. But in the times when I’ve allowed the richness of God’s Word to penetrate my thoughts and work its way into my words and actions, when I’ve engaged in unhurried prayer and sweet discipleship investments into the lives of others—God is teaching me how to possess the greatest treasure—God’s presence. David wrote:
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Investing our lives in things that engage the presence of God allows us to experience the fruit described in Galatians 5 throughout every compartment of our lives, including His “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a)
God’s love, joy, and peace are actual, tangible treasures that are produced in a believer’s life by the Spirit of God. And we must protect these treasures against God’s enemies—one of which we have with us all the time—our flesh.
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Galatians 5:17)
The desires of the flesh are insatiable and rob us of peace. But walking in the Spirit places us in the presence of the Prince of Peace!
So how do you know if you are possessing the real treasure God intends for you?
Check your fruit, not your checking account. To what extent is your life filled with GIVING others peace, joy, kindness, and love and sharing the precious Gospel? Ah, my friend, giving these gifts is proof that you are possessing the greatest treasures of God.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for reminding me that the richest moments of my life are the ones spent with You. Forgive me for the seasons I have exhausted myself chasing things that could never satisfy. Grow Your fruit in me—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—so that my life is a transparent picture of YOU. Teach me to walk in Your Spirit and not in the flesh. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
