Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9
“The Old Testament is full of admonitions against covetousness, especially the wisdom literature. We are warned that money is addictive, since ‘whoever loves money never has enough money’ (Ecclesiastes 5:10). We are taught not to be ‘overawed’ by the wealthy, but to remember that they will leave their wealth behind them (Psalm 49:10, 16-20). It is also explicitly stated that ‘one eager to get rich will not go unpunished’ (Proverbs 28:20), So we should pray to be given ‘neither poverty [i.e. destitution] nor riches’, but only our ‘daily bread’ [i.e. the necessities] (Proverbs 30:7-9).”
John R.W. Stott in The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (TBST; Downers Grove: IVP, 1996) 151.
I marvel how the Old Testament texts on possessions radically match the New Testament teachings. In this case how the wisdom literature matches the Lord’s prayer.
The word ‘necessities’ implies that as we trust God, He will sort what we need. And this marks the wise path for us as it keeps us in a posture of perpetual dependence.
This weekend, I am thankful God provided margin for Jenni and me to rest and celebrate our anniversary. His ways are good but only realized when chosen.