For today’s devotional we will focus on three proverbs that challenge us regarding wealth and possessions (Proverbs 21:5-7).
The first parable is a parabolic thought summed up by a popular idiom: “Haste makes waste.”
Proverbs 21:5 – “The thoughts [imagination; inventions] of the diligent [eager] tend only to plenteousness [profit; gain; abundance]; but of every one that is hasty only to want [poverty; need].”
It is prudent for a man to “plan his work and work his plan”. Too many rush through life making impulsive decisions that affect their family and future with little thought and prayer. They sign contracts, only to wrestle in the throes of remorse. They take out a loan only to drive off a fiscal cliff to their ruin.
The diligent, by contrast, are patient and methodical. They may pass up the “blue light special” or the “once in a lifetime” Memorial Day sale; however, their financial 
deliberations tend to wealth and not the poverty and shame of the hasty, impulsive consumer.
A second proverb reminds us that ill-gotten gain will invariably be a curse.
Proverbs 21:6 – “The getting of treasures [gold; silver; costly vessels] by a lying [deceitful; fraudulent] tongue [speech] is a vanity [empty; unsatisfying] tossed to and fro [dispersed; like the wind drives away chaff] of them that seek [strive after; desire] death [ruin].”
Our third parable carries much the same sentiment as Proverbs 21:6 and reminds us that a man lacking in integrity may rob the simple; however, his ways tend to self-destruction.
Proverbs 21:7 – “The robbery of [by] the wicked [ungodly; criminal] shall destroy them [the wicked]; because they [the wicked] refuse [reject] to do judgment [execute justice].”
My friend, it is easy to covet wealth and possessions in a world dominated by “Get Rich Quick” schemes and advertisements. If you are not careful, you may flirt with temptation’s promise of riches only to sell your soul for 30 pieces of silver. How much is your soul worth? What price tag is displayed on your integrity?
The testimony, character and integrity of a righteous man is marked: “Not For Sale!”
James 4:14 – “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”