Understanding How Prosperity and Lack Affect Relationships
Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
— Proverbs 19:4 (KJV)
When you’re up and the world sees you as successful, people will flock to you. The moment they hear about your financial success, they’ll be eager to spend time with you. Your phone will ring day and night with calls from people you haven’t heard from in years.
But when you’re poor, the opposite happens. People go out of their way to avoid you, speaking of you as if you were a burden. They’ll say you “don’t have a pot to pee in” and act as though they know your situation, yet they never reach out—unless they think you have money. If you buy a new car or a house, suddenly, they want to meet up. They’ll ask so many financial questions that you feel like you’re being interrogated by the FBI.
The Bible also tells us that “money answereth all things” (Ecclesiastes 10:19, KJV). To many, wealth equates to wisdom, as if having money means you must have all the answers. But as Christians who have experienced both poverty and prosperity, we understand the truth—our provision has always come from the Lord. He was there in our lack, and He remains our source in abundance. True security isn’t found in wealth, but in Him.
Reflective Questions:
1. Have you ever noticed a change in how people treat you based on your financial situation?
2. How can you ensure that your relationships are based on genuine love and not material gain?
3. What does it mean to trust in God as your provider, regardless of wealth or poverty?
4. How can you use financial blessings to honor God and help others without falling into the trap of pride or fear?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my provider in every season of life. Help me to trust in You, not in wealth or status, and to love others with a pure heart, regardless of their circumstances. Give me wisdom to handle blessings righteously and compassion to support those in need. May my security always rest in You alone.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for reading. God bless you!
All Scripture in Steps Towards Eternity Daily Devotional is from the King James Bible. (KJV)
Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain in The United States. Pathway365 is based in the United States and is governed by its laws. Outside of the United States, you’ll need to check the copyright laws in your country before use.
Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press