Solomon was undoubtedly one of the richest men of all times according to the account of the bible. Solomon received six hundred and sixty-six talents in a year. This was his annual income as disclosed by the financial statement at II Chronicles 9:13. Six hundred and sixty-six talents translate to 22,777 kilograms. At the current gold price of $1,682 per ounce this would translate to $ 1,351,389,589. This would mean Solomon's income was US$1.3 billion per year.
The bible tells us that he reigned for forty years. Assuming that he got this tribute of gold every year of his reign, it means today's worth of the gold he received was about $52 billion (the estimated net worth of Warren Buffet). We have not accounted for the silver, horses, chariots, spices, mules, and raiment. We are also told that he made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones (II Chronicles 1:15).
When anyone has an aim to be successful in a particular area in life, it is highly recommended to learn from the best. No one can give you what they do not have. I could sit down and listen to Warren Buffet talk about investing and money because he has made it in that area. Solomon is worth listening to even if you are not a Jew or Christian. Solomon had words of wisdom tied to the proverbs he shared. A wealth of counsel is hidden sometimes in verses that seem very simple and obvious. Reading carefully and analytically will often times unearth the inspiration behind the scripture.
PROVERBS 14:4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
This verse tells us that if we have assets that sweat we will have much wealth and advancement in worth. Someone who tills with bare hands will not produce as much as the one who ploughs with oxen.
This reveals that assets will be a catalyst in the journey to wealth. Assets usually require money to acquire them. By doing this you are letting your money work for you. If money is kept under the mattress there are various risks that one is exposed to. Firstly it has foregone interest, secondly it may be gobbled by inflation, and thirdly it may be discovered and stolen. But an asset will sweat and work for its owner. The ox will plough and bring increase in the barn of its owner.
PROVERBS 14:23
In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
Solomon in this passage emphasizes the need of hard work to gain profit. The word profit means plenty, abundance, superiority and pre-eminence. Some people only talk. But we know that talk is cheap! Not only action but repeated action will bring results. Poverty comes to the person who dreams and talks about his dreams without taking action.
PROVERBS 14:34
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Every time Israel left God it was impoverished by its enemies. An interesting passage is where in JUDGES 6:1 "the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years". JUDGES 6:6 then goes on to say "..and Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD".
This can also be applied on an individual level. God cannot bless on top of sin. This is the mistake being made by many people today. They continually "sow a seed" but do not see the corresponding blessings. This is because God cannot contradict scripture. A clean, sin-free life will align all of God's abundance laws to work for an individual.
In this day and age civilization has followed Christianity. Most countries that have had a trail of revivals also had major technological breakthroughs. The United States is a super power today because it was founded on God and it stands with Israel. Wealth follows nations that are God-fearing. This is the reason why the Jews are very wealthy.
PROVERBS 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
God has a tendency to favor those who are aligned to him. He is therefore not a service provider. If you come to Him because you want something from Him, you probably will not get it. If you do get it you might lose it and not get it again. By giving the righteous more wealth God has a tie post from which he can further his kingdom.
Righteousness has to do with conduct. Conduct involves action and reaction. Repeated action and reaction defines character. There is a passage in the Lord's prayer that says "... let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven". God want a kingdom here on earth that will mirror the kingdom in heaven. This means that people who make up God's kingdom here on earth must be always striving to convert sinners and positively influence people for this prayer to be answered. Imagine what would happen if everyone would commit their finances to converting souls and positively influencing the society! We would have a pre-millennial reign or theocracy on earth.
This does not mean the poor are like that because they are unrighteous. There are many reasons why someone can be righteous and still live poor. One of the reasons, among others, is that in God's kingdom, there is a currency called faith. God still wants to see the "money" before he gives you what you want. That is why you have to believe that "He is, and He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him".
PROVERBS 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Real treasure is the fear of the Lord. Peace of mind lacks amongst people who are always looking behind their backs, whose lives are littered with fraud sagas and scandals. A full life comes with peace, joy, and happiness. The true pursuit of happiness is fearing the Lord.
A rich man with trouble in his home will be pestered with worry. It has been propounded from research that worry causes most of the diseases. A man can give all he has to save his life. Life is the most precious asset God can give anyone. One time when the devil wanted to prove Job would curse God he said to God" Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life".
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