Let’s get this issue settled. Let's first define what prosperity is. We can think of it as flourishing, thriving, succeeding with good fortune, success in social circles, basically achieving what you set your heart out to achieve.
Our lot in life isn't for all of us to prosper financially, to be kings or at the top of the A list for achievers. Everyone's destiny is different. Some are on top, some in the middle and many on the bottom. We prosper in other ways. Many who are financially rich are miserable even to the point of committing suicide.
Many of us can find contenment with little to nothing and/or with riches as well. George Baily was the richest man in town, in many ways except for money. He had a loving family and lots of friends who loved him! It was really a wonderful life for the Baileys. Love that movie!
>> Does God want His children to be impoverished, to fail and to suffer?
>> Does God prosper us?
Let’s examine some of the teachings in the Old and New Testaments.
1. “Abraham was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold.” Gen. 13:2
>> He prospered Abraham not only with his innumerable offspring, but with material wealth. Oh well, that was Abraham, he was special.
2. “Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks herds and tents …” Gen.13:5-6
>> Well, okay, he favored Lot too.
3. “If you walk in My statues and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit … “ Lev. 26:3
4. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.” Deut. 30:15-16
5. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
6. He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper. 2 Chronicles 26:5
7. Job was very prosperous and speaks of it: “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity.” Job 36:11
8. Blessed is the man who walks in delight of the Law and meditates on it: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3
9. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:10
10. Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35:27
11. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4
12. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
13. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. Proverbs 8:17
>> Certainly one needs perspective here. Spiritual riches are much more valuable. We are blessed with the fruit of the Spirit. But our lives temporarily are in the world and we need provisions, we toil for them. So it is not an evil doctrine that faith, love and obedience and work can prosper us.
Selfish people don’t prosper :
14. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. Proverbs 11:25
>> Loving others is giving to others in some way, our time, being generous, sharing things.
Warnings to the lazy and blessings for the diligent:
15. The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. Proverbs 13:4
>> A strong work ethic leads to prosperity! “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” The Bible gives us numerous warnings for those who are lazy and choose to fold their hands and make excuses. “What you sow is what you reap.”
The sinful do not prosper:
16. He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
17. He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. Proverbs 28:25
The giver prospers:
18. He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses. Proverbs 28:27
Prosperity is a gift from God. King Solomon was certainly aware of that:
19. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. Ecc.5:19
20. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
21. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
22. “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; “and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:10-12
23. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32
24. But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
25. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
26. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
27. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
28. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2
29. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
>> Spiritual eternal life, yes; but He also blesses us in this life abundantly.
30. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
>> Faith can move mountains. We can't accomplish much without faith.
31. And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
32. Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38
What can we say about the Biblical teaching about prosperity?
Does God want His children to be impoverished, to fail and to suffer? NO
Does God prosper us? Yes
To sum things up, what is required of us to prosper?
1. Seek God, in prayer, (talk to God)
2. Trust God, pray knowing He will answer your prayer, but knowing that He says no sometimes because it is best for you.
3. Love God by serving and obeying Him and pray for guidance!
4. Love your neighbor and pray for them!
5. Keeping His statutes, means following His path of righteousness, which sort of includes this entire list and more. The Bible statutes set boundaries for life. God knows our needs and what is best for us. His regulations, requirements and laws are to protect us through our journey in life. Christianity is practicality. We live within boundaries, one’s that God sets, laws of the land, common sense living. Violating boundaries puts us at risk. If we are wise we stay away from dangers and the pitfalls in life. Listen to and do everything the Bible tells you to do. Also listen to your parents, obey the laws of the land, go to school, exercise, eat good food, don’t do risky and foolish things.
7. Honor the Lord with your possessions, give!
8. Work, be diligent, sow bountifully!
9. Don’t sin!
10. Be faithful!