2-15-06

For most of us, money is more than a scrap of paper. It can bring great joy or problems like nothing else.

We either have too much or not enough. Both can cause problems through a variety of ways.

This is not a new problem, even though many people feel this is something that has caused difficulties just over the last hundred years or so.

But ever since man used money as a bartering tool, it has caused problems.

There are thousands of people who make a living giving people advice on how to improve their financial standing by either eliminating debt or getting a better return on their investments.

Would you believe that people were getting advice on their money for over 2000 years? It's true.

Just look at the most popular book of all time: the Bible.

Consider the following scripture found in 1st Timothy, Chapter 6, Verses 9-11:

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

"For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."

How about get rich-quick schemes?

This is found in Proverbs 13:11:

"Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows."

Here's another found in Proverbs 28:22:

"A greedy person tries to get rich quick, but it only leads to poverty."

What about the dangers of debt?

Look at this found in Proverbs 22:7:

"Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender."

Pretty good advice, huh? People have been needing to hear this for much longer than you or I have been around.