Day 89: Stewardship of Resources

Day 89: Stewardship of Resources

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 27:23–27

Key Verse:

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?”

— Proverbs 27:23–24 (ESV)

Reflection

We live in a world that chases more—more money, more influence, more stuff. But Solomon reminds us that true wisdom is not in the pursuit of riches but in the faithful stewardship of what we already have.

“Know well the condition of your flocks…” It’s an agricultural proverb, but the principle applies across the board: good leaders pay attention. Whether you’re managing a business, a family, a ministry, or your personal finances, you’re called to pay close attention, plan wisely, and care faithfully for what’s been entrusted to you.

Riches do not last forever (v. 24). Trends shift. Markets crash. Opportunities fade. Titles pass. The wise steward doesn’t panic or hoard but builds sustainability through diligence, not drama. Solomon is not anti-wealth—he’s anti-foolishness. He’s urging us to focus less on building empires and more on managing responsibilities with care and faithfulness.

Provision comes through faithful labor (vv. 25–27). The hay, the grass, the goats, and the milk—these represent the natural results of steady, consistent work. This is a picture of leadership grounded in long-term faithfulness, not quick gains. What you nurture today is what will feed and sustain you tomorrow.

God isn’t asking you to control everything. He’s asking you to be a faithful steward of what He’s already given you—your family, your finances, your gifts, your people, and your influence. The question is not, “Do I have enough?” but rather, “Am I paying attention to what I’ve been given?”

Word Study: Stewardship (concept derived from שָׁמַר, shamar)

The Hebrew root shamar means “to keep, guard, watch over.” It’s the same word used when God told Adam to “keep” the Garden.

For leaders, shamar is a mindset: you don’t own the mission—you’ve been entrusted with it. Your role is to watch over it with care, diligence, and responsibility.

Challenge

Reflect on your current responsibilities.

1. Are you managing your time, money, family, and work with wisdom and intentionality?

2. Is there anything in your life that you’ve neglected or failed to “know well”?

Write down one area where you need to practice better stewardship—and take a simple step toward faithfulness this week.

Leadership in Action

Consider how stewardship defines your leadership.

• Are you leading with eyes open and hands engaged, or have you started coasting?

• Are you treating your role as a calling to cultivate and protect, or as something to use for personal gain?

This week, choose one aspect of your leadership—your team, your resources, your schedule—and recommit to managing it with wisdom, integrity, and care.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for everything You’ve entrusted to me. Help me to lead with diligence and integrity. Teach me to know well the condition of what You’ve placed under my care. Give me eyes to see what needs attention and hands willing to do the work. May my stewardship reflect Your faithfulness, and may I honor You with every resource You provide. In Jesus’ name, amen.