Why is it that in this world the rich are regarded fortunate in life, as well as wise to lead and advise? Do they understand things that you and I cannot and would not, without them imparting their knowledge to us? Maybe it is because, as their position is desired by us, we would be wise to listen when they speak, gleaning whatever helpful morsel that might be left to us. Additionally it would seem wise to most, not to try to invent the wheel all over again, making their own way when another could simply share what they do and how to become wealthy. Therefore, I'll admit it seems logical, to take advice about money from those who have a lot of it. After all, who would know more about money and how to teach on the subject than those who have come to possess and manage a lot of it? This reasoning indeed seems as sound as learning karate from a karate expert, getting tennis tips from a tennis pro and instruction in cake making from a prize winning baker.

However, in matters such as money, government, relationships and more, where morality is involved, maybe this reasoning is not so sound and should be investigated a little bit more. You see, the Eternal God doesn't actually touch on tennis playing, karate and cake making in His Holy Bible. But He does have quite a bit to say about money and these other things that I have mentioned. And where God has something to say about something, wisdom would require one to defer to His understanding and instruction and not to that of the world around us. Proverbs 16:25 states €There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.€ This proverb notifies that there is a common understanding among men regarding how to do things, however in moral matters, the stakes are high, and we are often wrong. Money is a moral matter.

If we are then, to further investigate our reasoning for selecting the rich as instructors, a few more questions are in order. Not just questions asked from man's logical perspective but others that may not have been our first choices to ask. Maybe the decision would be better served by also asking, where does God place His wisdom regarding the handling of finances and the righteousness of stewardship? Is it with they who have been given riches or retained by Him who gives them (Prov.22:4)? Have the rich considered, that the Eternal asks the questions (Job 38:1-39) and those who would advise must answer. Are they mindful of the Laodicean warning (Revelation 3:14-17) and the temperature to be maintained?

The word of God is rich in admonition to man, instructing (not suggesting) him to seek, take and value sound counsel (Prov.15:22, 20:18, 11:14). It further details that one is not to labor to be rich (Prov.23:4-5, 28:20), ignoring the dangers of trusting in money (Ps. 52:7) and the difficulty riches present to those desiring entrance into the kingdom of God (Matt.19:23-24). The Lord Jesus Christ, being the word of God, by revelation to His disciple, counsels those who would be rich, to buy of him the true riches (Rev.3:18) tried in the fire.

The rich of this world are themselves to be counseled by God, who is not a respecter of persons desiring that all men should be saved (1Tim.2:4). The Holy Bible is the counsel of God in all things concerning man. It is the instruction of God to all men that they come and learn of Him. Therefore when we ponder whether the rich of this world should be the source of our financial advice, we would be wise to heed the observations and teachings of the scriptures. The rich of this world must overcome obstacles themselves, battling the desire for gain and the temptation to covet. Therefore they are not God's choice to teach His financial way, being moral and righteous and good. The Holy Bible is His choice and we should turn to it. It may appear that the rich of this world have something you want, but are you sure? They may believe it but should you? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov.9:10). By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life (Prov.22:4). Consider this advice; €don't take theirs.€