The writer of Proverbs 30 sought to avoid both poverty and wealth, recognizing that either extreme could breed ingratitude or compromise integrity. His prayer reflects a desire for contentment and humility, asking God to provide just enough for daily needs, without the risk of turning away from Him or acting in ways that would dishonor His name. It is a reminder of the importance of maintaining balance and appreciating God’s provision in our lives.
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9 NIV).
Humanity exists between two contrasting ways of living: one leads to wisdom, the other to foolishness, as illustrated by Confucius’ saying, “The superior man is aware of righteousness, the inferior man is aware of advantage.” From this saying, it is clear that the superior man is guided by spiritual values, while the inferior man is governed by natural laws and yet seeks satisfaction in survival. The drive to accumulate wealth stems from self-centeredness, yet nature teaches that life’s purpose is to serve others—like fruit trees producing for those who eat fruit, or the sun shining for those who benefit from its light.
Human survival gains meaning only through giving, though on the physical level we believe it is about self-provision. In all the days of our toiling, we assume that life is about accumulating enough to provide for ourselves. Aware of the dangers of deception and moral decline, the writer of Proverbs 30:8-9 likely felt inspired to offer practical wisdom for those navigating life in the physical world. People naturally want to enhance pleasant experiences and suppress unpleasant ones. This leads some to commit to activities that limit happiness for others. This world is sustained by two principles, so that a gain on one side is a loss on another.
True happiness arises when those around us are happy, as seen in comedians who often brighten their surroundings, for them to also remain happy. This reflects nature’s laws, leaving humans with choices that make true happiness possible. The greatest challenge lies in agreeing on standards for relationships, since what pleases one may displease another, and what the majority accepts may conflict with life’s principles. Humanity remains divided between the sane and the insane, and the strangest factor is that some derive happiness through the suffering of others.
Wealth accumulation often stems from self-centeredness, yet wealthy individuals rarely find true joy or happiness. They may look happy to some people, but deep down they may be burdened by the sins of harming others. Their biggest challenge is the instinctive drive to protect their fortunes and prevent others from reaching their goals. An obsession with safeguarding wealth can erode freedom and lead to stinginess, as an insatiable desire to maintain what they have takes away their happiness.
Another natural law is that generating wealth inevitably creates more risks, and natural enmity becomes predictable. Still, by observing and following nature’s principles, one can find happiness, even if it’s only for a short time. Physical life does not demand over-performance or under-performance—running endlessly without rest can lead to death, while remaining static forever also brings its own dangers. Nature balances this by making us feel tired before we truly need rest and by keeping us moderately active to maintain survival.
Moderation is key to longevity and lasting satisfaction. Wealthy people often struggle to share because their status draws admiration, which can be intoxicating. Their sorrow comes at the point of death, when they must leave their wealth behind, without anyone they can trust to carry on their legacy. The only lifestyle that brings joy is one that is appealing because it influences others, and celebrities, as trendsetters, wield an influence that extends to memorable legacies.
A person is admired as long as they impact others, although humanity gravitates toward trendsetters more than reason. Extremes are frowned upon, yet wealth brings power, making one’s words—whether reasonable or not—taken seriously. Those with wealth shape civilization, and the drive for maximum riches comes from the influence that accompanies it.
In South Africa, families like the Oppenheimers and other capitalists are known to control the economy and influence who holds political power. In the U.S., the Rockefellers are rumored to shape American traditions and politics. Wealthy people may not be directly involved in politics, but they often influence those in government. No matter how sensible a poor person’s ideas might be, they are easily dismissed, while a wealthy person’s suggestions, right or wrong, are often accepted without much scrutiny.
This shows how global systems maintain themselves, with the wealthy wielding unwavering power. In Zimbabwe, figures like Strive Masiyiwa, Kuda Tagwirei, and others are seen as forming local cartels that the government can use to push its influence. These billionaires can steer the country’s direction, for better or worse, while upholding certain narratives or ideologies.
Ultimately, money holds more power than reason, though few acknowledge that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Money itself is not bad, but the mindset it creates in those who wield it can be harmful. In a competitive world rather than a cooperative one, money becomes the source of countless problems, leaving people under the sway of wealthy influencers—just as Jesus suggested when He implied that money competes with God.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:19-24 NIV).
Jesus spoke against all forms of corruption, where criminals are freed while innocent people suffer. Money can buy freedom in a corrupt judicial system, and serious crimes are often trivialized through corruption. This drives the desire for personal wealth accumulation. Many do not realize that the influence of billionaires can lead a country astray or guide it toward prosperity.
Few governments ignore the sway of billionaires, who may not be politicians but still influence them. This is how humanity becomes enslaved, with true freedom being rare. Ordinary people act according to what is acceptable in their environment, often feeling insecure when thinking independently. Humans can be violent in sadistic surroundings but peaceful in calm ones.
Certain societal behaviors are shaped by influential trendsetters, who are often the wealthy ones. We live in a world full of cowards who will not stand up for what they believe is right. Instead, they mimic trendsetters, who flaunt lots of wealth and are admired by many. Such mbingas are viewed as role models rather than those championing ethical living. This weakens people’s ability to reason when following wealthy figures in society.
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favouritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4 NIV).
The passage highlights how ordinary people often treat others based on their perceptions, fueling the growing desire to become wealthy. This explains why many aim to acquire expensive clothes—to create an impression of affluence and gain favorable public opinion. James points out that such attitudes stem from evil thoughts. They reflect the roots of a resultant evil, ignoring the fact that each person is uniquely made according to God’s design.
Few dare to uphold their God-given principles, while most compromise for convenience. Desiring wealth is not inherently wrong, but hoarding more than necessary leads to problems. With an average lifespan of seventy years, why not invest wealth in promoting goodwill rather than chasing billionaire status before death? What is the point of keeping billions when so many live in extreme poverty? The only apparent reason is a misguided desire to boost one’s profile to influence others.
“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
“The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:16-23 AKJV).
The text does not reveal how long the young man lived, but imagine he died the next day. He had once approached Jesus, seeking God’s Kingdom; yet if he died after rejecting it, what would become of his wealth? Let alone his precious soul. It seems he may never have truly desired God’s Kingdom, perhaps not even understanding what it meant. A lack of faith, which takes away conviction, often leads to failing to grasp God’s mysteries.
Accumulating wealth isn’t inherently wrong; attitude matters. Jesus encouraged sharing with the poor, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. So why did the man walk away? If he had better ideas than those Jesus offered, why did he not express them? But even without better ideas, why feel aggrieved and still walk away?
It appears he lacked a clear understanding of God’s Kingdom and held only a vague notion of physical life. A lack of faith leaves a person wavering between two opinions, unsure of either. His lifestyle influences those living in a way that avoids extremes—a common approach in the physical world, quite different from spiritual survival.
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” (Revelation 3:14-18 RSV).
Radicalism is a matter of the spirit, much like the drive of those who aim to become billionaires rather than settle for mediocrity. Most people prefer to stay somewhere between extremes, feeling safer in a position that is neither poor nor rich. Once someone accepts the call to follow Jesus, they no longer settle in the middle. This puts them at risk of becoming lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—which Scripture warns of being unacceptable.
A person can live extravagantly without offending God, as long as they do not pretend to be a Christian. True Christianity is radical, requiring the abandonment of worldly possessions to follow Christ, and failure to do so keeps one caught between two realities. Before His second coming, Jesus asked a searching question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8 NIV), and He foretold that humanity’s condition would resemble the days of Noah before the flood (Matthew 24:37-39).
In Genesis 6:1-8, the sons of God were drawn to the daughters of men, leading to corruption that displeased God, who opposed the blending of these two groups. This reflects the warning in Revelation 3:16-20, which cautions against merging contrasting ways of life. True Christians live radically, distinct from the children of the world, described as sons of men.
Revelation 3:16-20 underscores the preacher’s message about avoiding extremes between opposing realities. While Proverbs 30:8-9 offers guidance for those in physical circumstances, it does not apply to God’s children, whose lives are indwelt by Christ (Galatians 2:20). For them, Revelation 3:14-18 is more relevant, advising against comfort.
Many mistakenly consider themselves followers of Christ yet wrongly embrace Proverbs 30:8-9 as if it applies to them. Ordinary people may be encouraged to avoid being rich or poor, but Jesus’ followers are called to be radical—just as He was—in rejecting comfort and passionately pursuing God’s Kingdom. Living in the flesh can be acceptable only if one remains aware of the deception born from the desire to accumulate wealth.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, which lays out standards for lifting Zimbabwe out of its current economic depression and into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, offering relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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