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Sermon Introduction

Wisdom instructs us to honor God from our wealth, gather during times of plenty, and practice generosity. However, we must remain careful about how we treat wealth. Although we must build our reserves, which means building wealth to prepare for the worst of times, we must remember that there is something more valuable than earthly treasures. And that is God’s wisdom. Earthly treasures can suddenly disappear, but God’s wisdom gives us clarity. Wisdom may allow a person to recover or take a different approach. But there are times when one may stray from God’s wisdom. If such happens, the LORD shall discipline His children whom He loves.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 27:23-27 ESV

23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
     and give attention to your herds,

24 for riches do not last forever;
     and does a crown endure to all generations?

25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
     and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,

26 the lambs will provide your clothing,
     and the goats the price of a field.

27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
     for the food of your household
     and maintenance for your girls.

Notes

Wisdom instructs us to honor God from our wealth, gather during times of plenty, and practice generosity. However, we must remain careful about how we treat wealth. Although we must build our reserves, which means building wealth to prepare for the worst of times, we must remember that there is something more valuable than earthly treasures. And that is God’s wisdom. Earthly treasures can suddenly disappear, but God’s wisdom gives us clarity. Wisdom may allow a person to recover or take a different approach. But there are times when one may stray from God’s wisdom. If such happens, the LORD shall discipline His children whom He loves.

1. Riches and Power

   It is wise to oversee the flocks. The flocks represented the source of income in those days. What is the reason for watching over them? Because the stored wealth does not last forever, and power does not endure forever.
   
   23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
        and give attention to your herds,
   
   24 for riches do not last forever;
        and does a crown endure to all generations (Prov.27:23-27)?
   
   

2. Times and Seasons

   The grass that disappears and reappears speaks of seasons like winter and spring. After winter, the farmers plant, nurture and harvest in due time. The proverb speaks about a time to wait.
   
   25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
        and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered (Prov. 27:25),
   
   

3. Rewards and Provisions

   The lambs will provide clothing, and the goats could buy real estate. There will be enough milk, which will feed the family. Moreover, it can feed all the servants of the house.
   
   26 the lambs will provide your clothing,
        and the goats the price of a field.
   
   27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
        for the food of your household
        and maintenance for your girls (Prov. 27:26-27).
   
   

Application

1. Watch the Source

   Flocks may not be the source of our income. What do we watch then? We watch our source of income, which could be our business, employment, or profession. Heavily relying on stored wealth and current influence is not wise.
   
   

2. Avoid Overconfidence

   Stored wealth may represent inheritance in land, money, or business. One may nurture inherited wealth, yet one must continue to grow it. Or, at least not to lessen it. Therefore, watch the source. If there is none, build one.
   
   

3. Reap the Rewards

   What are the rewards of diligence? Provision for basic needs like food and clothing. Moreover, the reward could be a field's price, representing more riches. However, diligence means patient, consistent work.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why should we oversee our sources of income?

2. What are the rewards of taking care of our sources of income?

3. How may we apply this in the present day?