Living In The Light

May 24, Fast Money

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.
—Proverbs 13:11 LL 154.1

God desires His servants to avoid all speculation. Satan may pave the way by making the first investment successful, but O, how bitter will be the final outcome! If the professing Christian has success in his first speculation, his ruin is almost certain. Visionary schemes are wildly entered into as schemers present promising enterprises which they declare will pay a large percentage on all money invested. Good people are fascinated and deceived. Shares are purchased. Then comes confusion and loss. Some are totally ruined, having in the excitement invested all they had. In the thirst for riches, reason seems to depart. One or two may gain wealth, to their own injury, but many, many are bitterly disappointed. . . . LL 154.2

God requires His people to deal justly and in all kindness, never oppressing their fellow beings in any way. Instead of entering into speculation, let those who know the truth find some steady, honest employment in which they can earn their living in a way that glorifies God. Those who encourage the thirst for speculation will extinguish the light that God has given to guide their feet aright. Making money easily, they will spend it unwisely, and their prodigality will be their ruin. To maintain their habits of selfish indulgence, they must continue to make money rapidly. . . . LL 154.3

People cannot prosper while they trample on God’s principles and ignore His wisdom. Those who refuse to obey the words of Christ will in time reap what they have sown. When, in any sense, God’s way is departed from, when His will is violated, whether by nations, churches, institutions, or individuals, it is written in the books of heaven, and retribution will surely follow LL 154.4

Once speculation is entered into, there is ever after an unrest, a thirst for gain, a desire to engage in some enterprise by which means can be obtained with ease, to be spent with prodigality. If by the grace of God the error of this course is seen, and therefore does not prove fatal, the character bears the scars for years.— Manuscript 26a, 1890. LL 154.5

Further Reflection: : How can you help others avoid being lured into speculative ventures or scams? LL 154.6