Jer 9:23-24 says, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. The ISV says it this way, “This is what the LORD says: "The wise man is not to boast in his wisdom; the strong man is not to boast in his strength; and the rich man is not to boast in his riches. Rather, let the one who boasts, boast in this: that he understands and knows me, for I am the LORD who acts with gracious love, justice, and righteousness in the land. I delight in these things," declares the LORD.”

This week we will wrap up our series on blessed boasting. So far, we have looked at the foolishness of boasting in our own wisdom and in our own strength. Today we will finish by looking at the foolishness of boasting in riches. Let’s get into God’s Word.

Psa 52:6-7 says, “The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. Psa 62:10 ... if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. Pro 11:4 - Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death (see also Ezk 7:19 & Zep 1:18). Pro 28:22 says, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”

Pursuing riches will destroy you sooner or later. We work to live - not live to work. Loving money is the root of all kinds of evil. It brings a snare, foolishness, and hurtful lusts; it drowns men in destruction; it pierces with sorrows; and causes one to err from the faith (1Tim 6:9-10). Those who make money their God reject Jesus Christ. You cannot serve God and mammon. We are to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to us (Mt 6:33).

Trusting in money makes it hard for one to enter the Kingdom of God (Mk 10:23-30). It also shows that you are not satisfied with Jesus (Heb 13:5). God does not mind us having things, as long as things don’t have us. Our hearts should be pure towards God. To covet and trust in riches tells God, “You are not enough. You don’t do enough for me ." Of course, God expects us to work and use wisdom in our finances; Yet, we are not to trust in them. We are to trust in God. He is our provider.

What is a primary way to show you don’t trust in riches? Give to God - and give to Him first (Prv 3:9-10, Mal 3:10). We are to worship God in our finances the same way we would in anything else. We put Him first. Do you trust Him? He said He would supply all our needs if we put Him first (Philp 4:19). He said those who fear Him would not lack any good thing (Psa 34:9-10). He said He delights in the prosperity of His servant (Psa 35:27). He said he would withhold no good thing from the righteous (Psa 84:11). The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it (Prv 10:22). Do you believe it? Do you act on it?

It’s not wrong to make money. Money is neither good nor evil. It is your heart towards it, and what you use it for, that makes it good or evil. Show me when, where, and what you give - and I’ll show you your heart towards money. It’s just that simple. If you sow abundantly, you will reap abundantly. God will multiply the seed you sow. He provides seed to the sower. He is able to make all grace abound towards you (2Cor 9). Will you trust Him? Will you boast in the fact that you know and understand God and His Word - or will you trust in your own wisdom, strength, and riches? I will boast in the Lord my God! I pray you will, too. Money is fleeting. It is unstable. It could easily all be worthless tomorrow. If you trust in it, you will be shaken. If you trust in the Lord, you will not be moved. Put all of your faith and hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ today. Completely surrender your will, your money, your life to Him right now. Submit to Him as your Lord and Savior. You must be born again. Be born again today. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!