Proverbs, the Gospels, and the Never Ending Pursuit of Mo' Money, Mo' Money, Mo' Money

I've been a church-goer for most of my life, with about 8 years missing out of the middle. Every so often, those of us in the audience get the chance to hear a message on money. I appreciate this idea, considering Jesus spoke often about money. In fact, every sermon I have heard on the subject of money mentions the fact that Jesus talked about it a lot. The problem is, the pastor mentions this fact, then goes straight to the book of Proverbs to talk about money...

So let's get this straight: Jesus talks a lot about money. In order to learn about this, we need to go to the book of Proverbs. Funny, I thought Jesus' teachings were in the Gospels.

I think going to Proverbs is a mistake. How's that for honest? I once took a class from the Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman III, who loves the Proverbs, but is quick to explain that they are not universal rules to live by. They are at times contradictory, and at other times confusing or full of promises that do not necessarily come true if the proverb is followed. Proverbs is full of advice that is correct for certain times.

Coupled with the non-universality of Proverbs is the truth about Solomon's life. If we take Solomon to be the author, we quickly have to ask how much wisdom this man really had when it comes to money. Remember, he is the man whose riches brought him arrogance, foreign wives, and ultimately lead him away from the Lord. I would even argue that his riches caused the nation of Israel to ultimately split in two. Is it surprising that this rich narcisist ends up writing the book of Ecclesiastes? I think not.

So why do we go to Proverbs for our money advice? Since I'm being so honest today, I'll tell you why I think we do this. We go to Proverbs (and Malachi) so nobody will be too challenged. Proverbs tells us to plan ahead, save some money, acquire wealth while being generous at the same time. It allows us a gospel of health, wealth and prosperity that isn't too far outside of the Biblical text. And with Malachi attached for good measure, the church can still get its 10% to pay for a giant building and salaries.

The problem: Jesus had a different economic agenda, and the last time I checked, Christians follow Jesus, not Solomon (that's why we're not called Solomians). Jesus said sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, and follow him. Jesus didn't mention a retirement package, because he called us to follow him and die. Jesus didn't mention having a savings account because the vocation he called us to was that of traveling beggars with good news. He called his followers to be part of a different Kingdom, with an entirely different economy. He called us to store up treasures in that Kingdom, not our earthly ones.

No wonder we use the book of Proverbs instead of the Gospels. Following Jesus is tough. Well, maybe it's just that first step that is the hardest, and that's why we're not taking it. Maybe it's time we leave Proverbs behind and set our eyes on Christ, confessing our shortcomings to one another as we seek to do his will, working out our salvation with much fear and trembling.

Peace,
Matt

Currently Reading: The newest issue of Sojourners magazine.