"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it." — Proverbs 13:11

This verse offers a powerful lesson on financial stewardship—true and lasting wealth isn’t built through shortcuts or speculation but through steady diligence and faithful management. 

In today’s fast-paced world, financial success is often measured by how quickly one can accumulate wealth. Social media is filled with stories of overnight millionaires, high-risk investments, and shortcuts to riches. But is this the right approach? Let’s explore how this biblical principle plays out in real life.

The Temptation of Instant Wealth

To illustrate this principle, let’s look at the real-life story of an executive at a major Western bank—we’ll call him Brian to protect his anonymity.

Brian began his finance career in the 1990s, confident in his ability to manage money. However, he now admits that he was living beyond his means and accumulating debt. This financial instability made him especially susceptible to the allure of quick wealth, particularly during the height of the dot-com boom in the early 2000s.

When a coworker offered him a chance to get in on the ground floor of a "can’t lose" tech startup, Brian didn’t hesitate. He scraped together $10,000, convinced he was on the fast track to wealth. In his mind, success was inevitable—he was already preparing to celebrate.

But before he could, Brian heard the sound of the dot-com bubble bursting. His investment vanished, lost in a company he knew little about. He had chased quick wealth only to face the painful consequences.

His story echoes the warning of Proverbs 28:20:

"A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."

The Consequences of Chasing Quick Wealth

It’s important to understand that God doesn’t sit around waiting to punish people for making bad financial choices. Instead, He may allow those poor decisions to lead to their natural consequences. Proverbs 13:11 teaches that when money is gained too quickly—whether through reckless speculation, gambling, or unethical shortcuts—it often lacks a foundation of wisdom and discipline, making it easy to lose.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns:

"Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Many people experience financial hardship because they prioritize speed over stewardship. But God has a better way.

The Power of Slow, Faithful Growth

If Proverbs 13:11 warns against hasty wealth, it also points us to a better way:

"Whoever gathers little by little will increase it."

This principle isn’t flashy, but it’s powerful. True financial growth happens gradually through wisdom, patience, and discipline.

Rather than seeking quick riches, God calls us to:

• Work diligently and earn honestly (Colossians 3:23).
• Save and invest wisely over time (Proverbs 21:20).
• Be generous and steward money for His purposes (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Financial success isn’t about speed—it’s about faithfulness over time. Or, as the late Eugene Peterson put it so well, it’s about “long obedience in the same direction.”

Brian’s Financial Redemption

Brian’s story didn’t end with financial ruin. Instead of giving up, he decided to take a biblical money management class through his church. That’s when things started to turn around.

He learned to be more disciplined with his finances—budgeting, saving, and living within his means. Eventually, he began investing again, but this time, he avoided speculation and focused on something he understood: real estate. He started small, took his time, and remained patient.

Because he wisely managed his investments, his real estate holdings survived the housing crash and the Great Recession. Over time, he even started a fitness-related business with his son—something he had always dreamed of. That business survived the challenges of COVID-19 and is still thriving today.

Brian’s financial recovery wasn’t instant. It was the result of steady, faithful growth over many years. His story is a testament to the wisdom of Proverbs 13:11—building wealth little by little often leads to long-term success.

If you’ve experienced financial setbacks, don’t lose heart. The key is to keep moving forward. The world promotes shortcuts, but God calls us to faithfulness. If we embrace patience, diligence, and godly stewardship, we’ll not only experience financial security but also the joy of honoring Him with our resources.

So, instead of chasing instant success, let’s follow God’s way—one wise step at a time.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I received a notice from my bank about an arbitration provision and class action waiver for dispute resolution by individual arbitration. What does this even mean?
• I'm doing a remodel because my husband has Parkinson's, and I need to modify the bathroom to accommodate him. The bathroom renovation will cost about $25,000 to $30,000. Should I take the money from my 401(k), or would it be better to use funds from my home, which has been paid off for about seven years?
• My wife had open heart surgery at the end of 2023, and due to her portable bypass, she's unable to work continuously. I want to build retirement savings for her through a Roth IRA. I know I can open a spousal IRA for her since I'm working, but I'm concerned about whether this might affect her current disability benefits.
• I'm 65 and considering retirement in a couple of years. My friends suggest I take Social Security now, but I'm wondering about the best strategy. I'm currently 67 and don't need the money right now. Should I take Social Security now, wait until my full retirement age, or wait until I'm 70 to get a higher benefit? What are the investment implications of each option?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine
• Movement Mortgage
• SSA.gov (Social Security Administration)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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