Bible and Money: Proverbs 27:23-27 Stewardship Lesson from a Shepherd

Each week here at Money Wise Pastor, I share my perspective on Bible verses that talk about money.

This week’s “Bible and money” focus is on Proverbs 27:23-27.  It’s a passage that talks about flocks and herds.

So what does it have to do with money?

^“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants.” – Proverbs 27:23-27

I grew up on my grandparent’s fruit farm, but for the last 20-something years, I’ve been an urban dweller living on the edge of the inner city in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

I know very little about taking care of flocks or herds, and no one within 15 miles of my home would have any sheep or cattle for me to even look at.

So I guess these verses doesn’t really apply to me and my money, right?

Well, the more I read this passage, the more I see stewardship and money principles that can apply to my own life – and yours too. Let’s take a look…

The Bible and Money: Proverbs 27:23-27

When we read Proverbs 27:23-27, the first thing we see is a picture of a farmer, rancher, or herdsman with a whole lot of sheep and cattle.

What is his purpose or reason for having all of that livestock?

The flocks and herds represent potential wealth

They are an investment.  They have the potential to create wealth for the owner.

I say potential because right now the livestock are an expense!

Before the farmer can sell them for profit or butcher them for food he first has to fatten them up. That means he has to feed, look after, and protect them for many months.

The fatter they are, the more they’re worth.

But if they are not nourished or taken care of properly, or if they get injured, their wealth potential is diminished.

And if they become a tasty meal for wolves, coyotes, or other predators, their wealth potential is lost for good.

The owner has to work to create value in the flocks and herds

Now today, the farmer might think he’s really got something, just by virtue of the fact that he owns some flocks and herds.

But he can’t just buy them and forget them until it’s time to sell them. He has to do the work to ensure that they become the kind of asset and investment he wants them to be.

Because in reality, none of these flocks and herds will produce any wealth for the farmer until they are sold or butchered.

Stewardship Lessons from Proverbs 27:23-27

Proverbs 27:23-27 is a lesson on stewardship. If we want to maximize our personal, spiritual, and financial potential, we need to have a purpose and a plan for caring for the resources God has entrusted to us.

1. God has placed the potential for great wealth and success within us

If we want to be truly successful, we can’t just hope that things will turn out OK. Some things in our lives need to be nurtured, cultivated, watered and fed before they’ll grow to their full potential. Like our…

• Our children
• Marriage
• Career calling
• Dreams
• Passions
• Finances

If you want to live to your full potential, and produce true wealth for the kingdom of God, you need to take an active role in managing the resources God has given us – our time, talent, and treasure – so they will produce true wealth for the kingdom.

2. It’s up to us to cultivate and maximize the value of the resources God has entrusted to us

Today, why not make a list of all the resources God has entrusted to you…and take some time to think about how you’re doing at nurturing and maximizing their potential. Just rate them on a scale of 1-10. And then identify one next-step action you can take to nurture each of those resources.

I know I still have a long way to go to become the steward God wants me to be. But I’m on the journey, one step at a time. What about you?

You might also like:

• Bible Verses About Money
• Hebrews 13:5 Keep Free From the Love of Money
• Sports Money Lesson:  It’s Not What You Make, But What You Keep

Sheep photo courtesy of Darren Hanlon