Text: Various Proverbs

Topic: How to honor God with our finances

Introduction:

Illustration: "Shock Jock" Howard Stern regards financial information as too personal for public exposure.

Illustration: Robert Wuthnow's study of attitudes toward money in churches finds it's an off limits topic for most people.

The Bible challenges our and looks at money honestly and openly.

We wise up about money when we work hard to reach our earning potential.

Proverbs 10:4

Proverbs 14:23

Illustration: John Wesley noticed the link between conversion, hard word and economic success.

Illustration: Charles Colson's book Why America Doesn't Work ties our perception of work as a calling from God, to a strong work ethic.

We wise up about money when we avoid incurring foolish debt.

Proverbs 22:7

Illustration: The average household in America carries $8,000 in credit card debt.

We wise up about money when we seek moderation in our lifestyle.

• Proverbs 23:45
• Illustration: Buddy Post's $16.2 million lottery winnings flew away.
• Proverbs 30:8—9
• Illustration: In the book The Overspent American, Juliet Schor says Americans measure their standard of living by what they see on television.

We wise up about money when we share generously with those in need.

• Proverbs 3:9
• Proverbs 11:24—25

Conclusion:

John Wesley had it right: "Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can."