AUGUST 22 - The Riches You Really Want
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:4–5; James 4–5
3-Year Bible Devotional Book Now Available on Amazon.
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“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” — Proverbs 22:4
“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” — James 4:2–3
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.” — James 5:1
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Let’s be real: we live in a world where “success” is usually measured by likes, followers, fame, or what you own. It’s easy to believe that if you just had a little more—money, popularity, influence—you’d finally be satisfied. But the Bible gives us a different picture. In Proverbs 22:4, it says that true riches come from humility and honoring God, not from chasing everything the world says is valuable.
And in James 4–5, we’re reminded that selfish ambition and greed don’t end well. Instead of filling us up, they leave us empty and hurting others in the process.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. What Are You Really Chasing? Are your goals about honoring God or just getting ahead? James reminds us that when our hearts are in the wrong place, even our prayers can miss the mark.
2. Heart Check: Proverbs connects humility and the fear of the Lord with true rewards—life, honor, and real riches. What does it look like in your life to choose humility over pride?
3. Success Redefined: James 5 warns the rich not because wealth is bad, but because trusting in wealth instead of God leads to destruction. Where are you placing your trust?
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BOTTOM LINE
God doesn’t define success the way the world does. When we walk in humility and keep God at the center, we gain something better than money—we gain a life filled with His peace, purpose, and presence.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Help me to stop chasing what the world says will make me happy and start chasing after You. Teach me to be humble, to honor You in all I do, and to trust You with my future. Show me how to live for things that last. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
