Proverbs 23:5 - Lasting Treasure Is Heavenly Not Earthly.
Proverbs 23:5 (NIV) Cast but a glance at
riches, and they are gone, for they will surely
sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Proverbs 23:5 (NLV) Cast but a glance at
riches, and they are gone, for they will surely
sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
INTRODUCTION
We have all heard of people who have won
millions of dollars and then lost everything. Even
the average person can spend an inheritance - or
a paycheck - with lightning speed and have
little to show for it. Don't spend your time
chasing fleeting earthly treasures. Instead, store
up treasures in heaven, for such treasures will
never be lost. (See Luke 12:33, 34 for Jesus'
teaching.) [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Because bald eagles nest near our home, I
often see them fly by our kitchen window. But only
for a moment and then they're gone, just like a
recent offer we received on a property we were
hoping to sell. The first day after we listed it, a
bid for more than the asking price arrived. I
found myself daydreaming about living on a boat
and scuba diving off the coast of Belize,
updating my out-of-date wardrobe, and taking my
husband, Zane, out for a fancy dinner. I glanced at
riches. (Well, more than glanced.)
The next day the buyer rescinded his
offer. Interest rates were going up, and he
couldn't make financial sense of it. Pool"the
riches sprouted wings and flew away like the eagles
that darted past my window. I was disappointed
the sale fell through, but even more
disappointed with myself for time spent imagining how the
money would change my life. I know better. Jesus
is the only true source of provision, and He
will never leave me.
When the rich young ruler asked Jesus
what he needed to do to inherit eternal life,
Jesus told him to sell everything and follow Him
(Mark 10:17-27). The young man went away sad
because he couldn't let go of his wealth. Jesus knew
the lure of worldly possessions would cause some
not to follow him.
Riches - or anything we put our trust in
other than Jesus - can fly away, just like eagles.
But Jesus is here to stay. Jeannie Blackmer
Faith Step: Write a prayer in your
journal today proclaiming your trust in Jesus
because He will never "fly away." [Mornings With
Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Matthew 19:21 - The Rich Young Man: Perfect
or Problem?
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20070507-1020.html
Mark 10:21 - Is Your Treasure In Heaven?
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090228-2238.html
Luke 18:22 - The Rich Young Man: Perfect or
Problem?
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080421-0040.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
