Wednesday in the Word

I was standing in line to pay for my items when I noticed a man in front of me give the cashier $50 to pay for lottery tickets. This man had to have been in his late 80s. Several questions flooded my mind: (1) Wouldn’t that $50 have been better spent on his immediate needs like food, clothing, or shelter? (2) At this point in his life, what would he actually do with the $100+ million jackpot even if he won? (3) Would this money actually give him what he was looking for?

Prov. 4:6-7

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Sunday I mentioned the three places we can turn to find wisdom: ourselves, the world, or the Bible. Playing the lottery is never wise, no matter how old you are. Our flesh and the world try to convince us that our joy is found in earthly pleasures. What does the Bible say?

Proverbs 30:8-9

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.  

Matt. 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (our daily needs) will be given to you.

Eccl. 5:10

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

In this case, I pray that this man would put his trust in God and not in a Powerball ticket. Wisdom would show him that money is not what he needs, but to know and trust the God who supplies all his needs. Whatever you are facing this week, God’s word has all the wisdom you need.