Day 26: Wealth and Poverty; Words of the Righteous

Day 26: Wealth and Poverty; Words of the Righteous

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10:15–21

Key Verse:

"The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense." — Proverbs 10:21 (NLT)

Reflection

Solomon weaves together two powerful themes in this passage: the impact of wealth and poverty and the life-giving power of words. Both have profound implications for leadership, influencing how we steward resources and how we use our speech to bless others.

Wealth and poverty are presented as realities with consequences (v. 15). Wealth, when used wisely, can provide security and opportunities, while poverty can expose vulnerabilities. However, Solomon isn’t just addressing material resources—he’s pointing to how these conditions reflect our choices and character. Leaders must recognize the responsibility that comes with wealth and the compassion required to respond to poverty with wisdom and justice.

Solomon then shifts to the power of words. The righteous use their speech to “feed many” (v. 21), offering encouragement, guidance, and truth. In contrast, fools harm themselves and others through careless or deceitful words. The lips of the righteous are a source of nourishment, reflecting hearts aligned with God’s wisdom. For leaders, this is a reminder that our words have the power to uplift or destroy, to guide others toward flourishing or lead them astray.

Both themes point to stewardship—of resources and speech. Wealth is a tool to be used for good, not a source of pride, and words are an opportunity to reflect God’s wisdom, not an outlet for recklessness. Wise leadership embraces this stewardship with humility and intentionality.

Word Study: Feed (רָעָה, ra’ah)

The Hebrew word ra’ah means “to shepherd, tend, or feed.” It conveys the image of caring for others by providing nourishment and guidance.

For leaders, ra’ah emphasizes the responsibility to use our words to strengthen and guide those we influence, just as a shepherd tends to their flock.

Challenge

Reflect on how you’re stewarding both your resources and your words.

1. Are you using the wealth or influence God has given you to help others, or have you allowed pride or selfishness to creep in?

2. Are your words feeding and encouraging those you lead, or do they sometimes cause harm or confusion?

Write down one specific way you can use your resources or speech to bless someone this week. Take action to reflect God’s wisdom in that area.

Leadership in Action

Consider how these themes apply to your leadership.

• Are you stewarding your team’s resources—time, energy, finances—with wisdom and integrity?

• Are you fostering an environment where words are used to encourage and guide rather than harm or discourage?

Identify one leadership situation where you need to use either your resources or your speech more wisely. Take a practical step this week to align your actions with God’s principles, setting an example of stewardship and grace.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gifts of resources and speech and the opportunity to use them for Your glory. Teach me to steward what You’ve entrusted to me with humility and wisdom. Help me to use my words to feed and encourage others, reflecting Your love and truth. Guide my leadership to bring life, justice, and blessing to those I influence. Amen.