Listen to this talk from Vaughan Roberts 

How to view money 

There is a frequent misquotation of the Bible that “money is the root of all evil”, but Proverbs speaks of the advantages it can bring. But in a world that too readily makes an idol of money it is good for us to consider its limitations and dangers 

Read Prov. 8:10-11; 15:6,7; 22:1 

• All these proverbs speak of something better than wealth – better in what ways? 
• Think of ways in which these priorities might be worked out in our lives. 

Read Prov.18:10-11 

• What is suggested by placing these two verses side by side?  
• Wealth does indeed give a measure of security (cf 10:15), but how are we prone to look there for security instead of to the Lord? 

Read Prov.30:8-9 

• Should we pray not to have a pay rise? What is “too much”? What should we learn from Agur’s attitude? 

How to make money 

Vaughan Roberts has previously proposed three principles: Work Hard (12:11; 13:11; 14:23), Avoid Debt (22:7; 24:27), and Be Godly (13:21). I think though, because of the shortness of time, you would probably be wise to go straight on to 3.  

How to use money 

Read Prov. 21:17 

• Are luxuries to be off the menu?  
• What is the principle and how should we seek to apply it?  

Read Prov.6:8 

• When does the practice of prudent saving become the wrong attitude of 18:11? 

Read Prov.3:9-10 

• What does this mean? How should we go about it? 
• “A generous man will prosper” (Prov.11:25). How so?  
• Compare 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. How does this help us apply the principle to us today? 

Read Prov. 14:31; 19:17; 28:27 

• How seriously do we take the call to care for the poor? How in practice should we?