Prov. 31:10-31, THRIFTINESS vs. extravagance

1)    Definition: not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary.

2)    Scripture: Prov. 6:1-5; 11:15; 13:7; 17:18; 20:14; 24:10; 27:23-27; Lk. 16:11-13; 1 Tim. 6:17-19.

3)    Underlying Principle: Everyone must give account of his works to God, which includes how he has spent his money (Rom. 14:12; Lk. 16:11; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).

4)    Illustration: Prov. 31:10-31.  Check out the “virtuous wife” and see how many different ways her hard work illustrates thrift.  It may be that a wife/mother who works outside the home is ultimately a waste of money.

5)    Bible Study:

a)    What are the results of being thrifty?

i)      Luke 16:11-13: Wise use of money indicates a level of responsibility in other areas of life.  That person will gain the trust of others.

ii)   Prov. 24:10: Being thrifty will result in increased resources so that we can help others and withstand adversity.

iii)            Prov. 27:23-27: We will have sufficient resources to meet our needs.

b)    Thriftiness does not mean we become miserly, or that we worship money.  How do these passages help keep thrift in a proper perspective?

i)      Prov. 11:26: This is, of course, an agricultural illustration.  If you hold back your grain from the market to make the price rise that will effect the common citizenry that counts on your grain.  The point, it seems to me, is that our vocation (job, career work) should be seen as a means to meet our needs and the needs of our family, not for greed.

ii)   1 John 3:17: A wise and thrifty use of money is to use it to help the needy.

iii)            Luke 16:13: Money should not be the central focus of our lives, lest it become our “god”.

c)    What different aspects of thriftiness are seen in these passages?

i)      Prov. 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18: Don’t waste money by taking risky or foolish chances in business.

ii)   Prov. 13:7: Don’t live rich, even if you have the money to do it.  Solomon is not our example for life.

iii)            Prov. 20:14: Whenever possible, hold out for better prices.  Be wise about this.

iv) Prov. 27:23-24: Take care of your possessions so that you don’t have to waste money to replace them when broken.  Be diligent about this.  In other words, don’t be lazy!

I would suggest Luke 16:11 for memorization and meditation.