Proverbs 10:15

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about riches and poverty:

Proverbs 10:15 (NASBStr)

The rich man’s wealth is his fortress,

The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Proverbs 10:15 (ESV)

A rich man’s wealth is his strong city;

the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

The above proverb gives us the results of what happens when men focus on the outward criteria of wealth, money or possessions.   The wealthy think that riches will keep them secure.  They believe the more money they have, the more security they have.   They think wealth builds walls, like a fortress.   On the other hand, the poor think if they have no money they are lost and destitute.   They believe they have no security, no fortress because they don't have dollar bills sticking up.   The poor think they are ruined without money, while the rich think they are renowned.  What both fail to realize is that either state is just the opposite.  The wealthy, those who trust in their wealth, have no security.  God will someday remove their wealth and their false security.   The poor, on the other hand, are precious in the eyes of God.  They are not in ruin, but protected and loved by God.   God sees their poor estate.  He even commanded in the law for the Israelites to care for the poor by leaving the corners of their crops for the poor.    When we put on emphasis on the outside and not the inside, this proverb shows us the problem.   Only when we trust God for either will we be content with riches or poverty.  We may find ourselves in both states at one time or another.   But, trusting God in either will help us to survive both.