You didn't build that1“You didn’t build that!” has been the taunt of liberal politicians and socialists in recent elections.  With a proud air, politicians have implied that government is somehow the initiator of a man’s success and not the skill and discipline of the entrepreneur himself.

In essence, the liberal is right; however, his or her insinuation that government is the origin of a man or woman’s success is dead wrong!  Government is a consumer, not an originator of wealth!  That leads me to the question we will ponder in today’s devotional:  

Who builds a man or woman’s prosperity, wealth and success? 

Proverbs 10:22 – The blessing [prosperity] of the LORD, it maketh rich [enriches], and He addeth [increase] no sorrow [grievous; labor] with it [free of pain; the righteous are rich with “JOY”].”Grace

Proverbs 10:22 states unequivocally“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich!”  Whatever riches you might have, whether health, possessions, family, friends, fame, intellect, talents, skills or abilities—all are from the Lord.  Man is nothing apart from God’s blessing.  It is the Lord that gives strengths and abilities that “maketh rich”.  You might be the strongest, brightest and most disciplined; however, apart from God’s blessing you are nothing!

The wicked might amass to himself all manner of riches and possessions; however, he will soon find that enduring joy never comes with wealth.  The righteous, those whose faith is in the Lord have this promise—the Lord “addeth no sorrow” for the righteous are enriched with the joy of the Lord!

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed [lit. Happy] is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. The blessing of the Lord2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith