Traits Leading to Poverty

God loves people who are poor, but He also doesn’t want any of His children lingering in that state of poverty and lack. That’s why Solomon described in Proverbs certain behaviors that inevitably lead to a life of economic scarcity. God wants us to avoid these traits and learn His truths of abundance as we live a life of peace and faithfulness. Here are some examples to avoid:

Laziness. Solomon, the wealthiest man who has ever lived, writes:

“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4).

Idle Chatter. Just as hard work is a key to prosperity, those who spend all their time talking will reap poverty:

“In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23).

Failure to Accept Correction. Proverbs warns us:

If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.

It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them (Proverbs 13:18-19 NLT).

Addictions. Many intelligent and talented people have wasted their lives away in bondage to alcohol, drugs, pornography, or other destructive habits. Sometimes freedom from poverty starts with freedom from an addiction.

Do not carouse with drunkards
or feast with gluttons,

for they are on their way to poverty,
and too much sleep clothes them in rags (Proverbs 23:20-21 NLT).

Get-rich-quick Schemes.

Greedy people try to get rich quick
but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty (Proverbs 28:22 NLT).

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty (Proverbs 21:5 NLT).

A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble (Proverbs 28:19-20 NLT).

Dishonesty.

“Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap” (Proverbs 21:6 NLT).

Unhealthy Relationships and Resulting Divorces. The spiritual and financial consequences of adultery and divorce are enormous. This seems to be more common today than ever, despite Solomon’s repeated warnings:

To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,
Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.
For her house leads down to death,
And her paths to the dead.

So you may walk in the way of goodness,

And keep to the paths of righteousness.
For the upright will dwell in the land,

And the blameless will remain in it (Proverbs 2:16-21).

My son, obey your father’s commands,
and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

It will keep you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.

Don’t lust for her beauty.
Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.

For a prostitute will bring you to poverty,
but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life.

So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife.
He who embraces her will not go unpunished.

The man who commits adultery is an utter fool,
for he destroys himself.

He will be wounded and disgraced (Proverbs 6:20, 24-26, 29, 32-33 NLT).

If you’ve been struggling financially, make sure none of these traits is the reason. God wants to give you a financial turnaround, but sometimes we must repent and have a moral turnaround first.

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Excerpt taken from Simple Steps to Abundant Living by Inspiration Ministries