Psalm 37:16, "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."

Two distinct ways of life are contrasted in today's verse. A righteous man living life with a small amount of material goods, or many who live wickedly and independent of God, possessing riches. It seems that most of the time the righteous have little of the wealth of this world, and yet they realize the greater blessing is to know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, living while experiencing God's presence, blessings, and truth. Someone once said, "It seems that most Americans know the price of everything but the value of nothing."

May I ask, "What do you value the most?"

Notice a few areas in which the Word of God should impact our value system:

• Psalm 119:72, "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver."

• Proverbs 8:11, "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

• Proverbs 16:8, "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right."

• Proverbs 28:6, "Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich."

Living daily in the presence of the Lord is more valuable than all the world has to offer in wealth or riches. May we not forget the truth spoken by Jesus in Mark 8:36, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

Living life with a Biblical value system will go a long way in helping us develop Godly character and right priorities.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. What is money and riches when compared to the Word of God?

2. What is money and riches when compared to wisdom?

3. What is money and riches when compared to your eternal destiny?

4. Does your value system need changing?