Proverbs 8:20-21, “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”

There are blessings for those who, by God’s grace and power, walk the path of life and wisdom, which is the path of righteousness. They experience God’s direction and deliverance, and they also experience God’s provision. Today’s passage is not a proof text for the false teaching of the “prosperity gospel” crowd. The idea that God will grant His children whatever they desire if they just have enough faith is theology gained from a closed Bible and an empty head. Instead, today’s text is an assurance to believers of God’s provision for their every need as His will is obeyed. Consider Philippians 4:19 in conjunction with Proverbs 8:20-21. Paul wrote, “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”(c.f. Matthew 6:24-34). At times on this earth the righteous suffer and the unrighteous prosper (Psalm 73:3, 12-13), but faith looks beyond today and considers the ultimate end of the unrighteous (Psalm 73:17-19). As you walk along the path of righteousness by the grace of God and the power of God, you will understand more and more that real prosperity is not restricted to the present time but will be ultimately realized in glory with the Lord. “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed” (Proverbs 13:21), and “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8).