“Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.”

Nearly 25% of all Americans—almost one out of every four people make New Year’s resolutions—include a financial goal. I am doing that this year and will set a plan with my accountability partner to help me stay disciplined in that area. These goals will be set with a clear eye toward handling my finances with integrity and biblical priorities. Solomon does not exalt being poor over being rich. Rather, he makes it clear that your financial value is irrelevant compared to living a blameless life with integrity. If financial means, coupled with the pursuit of more, lead you to compromise your kingdom responsibilities, you would be better off being poor and content in that situation. This verse is more about living a blameless life than a perverse one than it is about our fiscal status. How much we have in our bank accounts does not determine whether we love God and follow His commandments. As we enter a brand-new year, one out of four of us will make New Year’s resolutions. Even if you normally never do that, this is still a great time to reflect on what drives your decisions—and therefore your behavior. A commitment to accumulate more this year, no matter what it takes, is what Solomon calls perverse. Accumulating wealth God’s way, to grow God’s Kingdom, can be beautiful. Today, let righteous living be the goal. #BeTheEdge

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Jesus