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Sermon Introduction

Many seek treasure and desire to acquire wealth. However, there is wealth that one must avoid. It is the type that brings trouble, turmoil, sorrow, and grief. Furthermore, it is a type that makes you lose track of what is the most important. Yet there is a type of wealth that is not earthly but divine, for the Lord is the treasure above all. The wisdom calls to those who neglect wisdom, the naïve, and the foolish. What does wisdom shout? It calls us to fear God, which is the beginning of wisdom. And through it, we see a different lens compared to the world. It is a lens that tells us that not all treasure is good and not all lavishness should be desired. One must seek blessings from the Lord, who adds no sorrow.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 15:16-17

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and trouble with it.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

Proverbs 10:22

22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.

Notes

Many seek treasure and desire to acquire wealth. However, there is wealth that one must avoid. It is the type that brings trouble, turmoil, sorrow, and grief. Furthermore, it is a type that makes you lose track of what is the most important. Yet there is a type of wealth that is not earthly but divine, for the Lord is the treasure above all. The wisdom calls to those who neglect wisdom, the naïve, and the foolish. What does wisdom shout? It calls us to fear God, which is the beginning of wisdom. And through it, we see a different lens compared to the world. It is a lens that tells us that not all treasure is good and not all lavishness should be desired. One must seek blessings from the Lord, who adds no sorrow.

1. Fear of the Lord

   Wisdom reveals that the fear of the Lord is better than riches. Certain wealth includes confusion, problems, or turmoil. To fear the Lord is to revere Him, which should result in worship and obedience.
   
   16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
   than great treasure and trouble with it. (Prov. 15:16).
   
   

2. Love with a simple meal

   Wisdom also reveals that a simple dinner with love is better than a lavish dinner where there is hate. Love is always better than hate. Love coupled with simplicity will beat hate coupled with extravagance.
   
   17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
   than a fattened ox and hatred with it. (Prov. 15:17).
   
   

3. Wealth with no sorrow

   Does the Lord bless His people with wealth? Scripture reveals that the Lord does bless with wealth in His time, in His proportion, and in His way. God’s material blessings have no sorrow attached to them.
   
   22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
   and he adds no sorrow with it. (Prov. 10:22).
   
   

Application

1. Fear the Lord

   Choose the fear of the Lord over great riches. The fear of the Lord is not only better; it is superior to anything. It is the beginning of wisdom. But fools choose earthly wealth over reverence for God; the result is the absence of divine peace.
   

2. Prioritize love

   Wisdom instructs us to build our reserves like the ant; however, we must never neglect to love our family. Let us rejoice with the love that He gives us to share. A simple meal with love is better than a lavish meal with hate.
   
   

3. Choose God

   The Lord Jesus Christ commanded us to seek His kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33). He promised to provide what we need. Therefore, let us not pursue wealth without God and His word to avoid wealth with sorrow.
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. What type of wealth is undesirable? What is better than it?

2. Love vs. hate in a meal, describe and explain. How should we behave?

3. Why should we desire material blessings that are from God (Biblical)?