He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish as a branch. Proverbs 11:28
Banes S. Lal
What gives you a sense of safety and security? Does happiness come from money? Suppose a poor man wrote these words in this proverb. In that case, you could say that his criticism of the wealthy was driven by jealousy of their lifestyle. You might say he lacked financial expertise; you may legitimately doubt or disregard his comments. However, this statement was written by King Solomon, the most prosperous King of Israel. And this wisdom was inspired by the Lord, his God.
Our proverb describes a man who "trusts in his riches." Because of his wealth, this man feels secure and safe - fearless. He might have a sizable bank account, a portfolio of stocks that deliver the best returns on the market, and a successful business that will ensure his prosperity for years to come. Wealth is what gives him confidence: his fortune. The issue with this man is as follows. According to the Bible, whoever trusts in his riches will fall (perish).
Consider two affluent men whom Jesus used to illustrate the perils of trusting riches. One lived a lavish lifestyle and enjoyed fine food every day, but when he passed away, he went to hell, while the poor and diseased beggar outside his gate went to heaven (Luke 16:19-25). Another wealthy person brags to himself about plans to build more barns to hold his harvest, but God calls him a "fool, this night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" "So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:15-21).
The righteous are contrasted with these unwise rich men. We are told that the righteous man will flourish like a green branch or leaf. This is the man who realized that no amount of money could ever pay for redemption. His desire to please God and honour Him will make this man do everything he can to obey God. He does not look for righteousness based on money or his good works. He knows that the man who will flourish in this life and stand next to is the man who has been justified (made righteous) by faith. Thus his life is not spent trying to earn God's favour and love - he knows that the blood of Christ has already purchased all this and more! He desires to listen to God - walk in fellowship with Him - and enjoy spiritual growth out of that fellowship. So this is why he will flourish like the green leaf. He is not trusting in growing himself. His trust is in a God who blesses him first with righteousness to stand in His presence - and then trusts Him to lead him in the way that will glorify God in all he does.
Wealth is not a sin, as a significant number of people in the Bible were wealthy, but the scripture says, "Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them Psalm 62:10. The desire for wealth and ambition is fatal (Proverbs 23:4-5; I Tim 6:6-11). They carelessly disregard death in favour of their wealth (Proverbs 49:6-14). A fool who rejects God out of desire and pursuit of wealth can only be saved by God's grace (Job 31:24-28). Godly men and women place their faith in God first and their careers second (Matt 6:24,33). They know that godliness and satisfaction are the ultimate measures of success (I Tim 6:6). When their finances grow, they use it to benefit others and the glory of God (Acts 4:34-37; I Tim 6:17-19).
The author here serves as a reminder that no amount of money can purchase a soul or provide the redemption it needs. The man who puts his faith in his wealth and believes that his possessions will protect him from death, the penalty for his sins, will be greatly disappointed. He will eventually appear before God and be judged for his sin alongside everyone else. Jesus declared that whoever receives much would also need to give much. The man who puts his faith in his possessions rather than in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in the fire lake.
What do you rely on to keep yourself safe? If you believe your security depends on how much money you have in this life, you will lose everything. If you grasp that the clear and present danger is the wrath of God for sin - you will choose the way that will make you stand righteous on that day - and that righteousness only comes through the Lord Jesus Christ. A person who has eternal life has everything. He is a child of God, and God has abundantly bestowed hope, joy, and peace upon him.
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