(Prov 24:27 GNB) Don’t build your house and establish a home until your fields are ready, and you are sure that you can earn a living.
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” This is the 2nd saying of the 2nd section of this book within Proverbs and it deals with having your priorities in order. I first read this verse in the traditional King James Version and I honestly had no clue what it meant. The KJV reads: “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.” I then proceeded to read the first from several other translations (I have over 30 on my computer) before it made sense to me. I decided on the Good News Bible, because I believe it makes the message clear.
In Solomon’s day the two major sources of livelihood were crops and herds. Most men were either farmers (working the fields) or herdsmen (working with animals); some did both. This verse speaks to the farmer and it tells him to ensure the works are his farming are in order – like tilling and plowing the land, sowing his seed, having a system of reaping the harvests, and etc. – before concerning himself with building a house for his family. The point here is very practical and it is that he must have the income to support his family and their home.
This verse is about as plain and practical as Solomon has been. Like Jesus taught in the New Testament (see Luke 14:28-32), Solomon is teaching us to count the cost before taking on the responsibility of building and maintaining a house. If the means for a steady income are not in place, then you might not be able to complete the project or you may complete it, but then not have the means to maintain the home. This is a good message for young people. When speaking to youth I remind them that God gave Adam a job (responsibility) before He gave him a wife. Adam had to learn to cultivate the garden before he could cultivate the woman (Eve). So I tell young ladies, “If the young man does not have a job, and a steady one at that, then he is not ready to get married; at least not to you!”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Never establish a household where the previous conditions are lacking. While a household can and should be a wonderful blessing, it can be an overwhelming burden for the person who is not prepared to maintain it.
2. You must have a means to maintaining long term commitments BEFORE taking them on. Count the cost before every endeavor. If the responsibility you are about to take on will span several years, then you must obviously think through how you will deal with that commitment for the span of the obligation. If you fail to plan properly you might find yourself ‘in above your head’ and it won’t be anyone’s fault but your own. I have seen far too many Christians do this and then say, “God, why did you let this happen to me.” Don’t blame God for your mistakes, especially when you did not even include Him in the decision making process. So plan carefully.
3. Prefer necessities BEFORE conveniences, and be wary of going into debt. While this sounds like common sense, I have found that common sense is not that common. Far too many people, Christians included, put conveniences before necessities. Make no mistake, we serve a God who does not mind us enjoying conveniences, but we must have our priorities in order!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for giving me the wisdom and insight to put first things first. You grace me to secure income and to manage my finances in such a way that I am able to ensure the necessities of life are taken care of for both the short and long terms. After I have a plan to secure and maintain the necessities, You then bless me to go after and enjoy the conveniences both me and my family desire. I know You want me to enjoy life. You give me all things richly to enjoy and I will enjoy all that You bless me with, because I never get to the point where I am ‘in above my head.’ I live within my means and I enjoy every minute of it! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
