The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5

Today’s Scripture Reading (January 5, 2026): Proverbs 21

One of the biggest secrets of the rich is that they seem to know where every penny goes. They know how much money they are bringing in and how much is going out. I often tell people, much to their disgust, that anyone can be rich. All you have to do is spend less than you make. As a result, rich people have a plan for their money. The Bible says it this way - 

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish’ (Luke 14:28-30)

Are budgets fun? Of course not. But if you want to be wealthy, they are necessary. The path starts with a plan and some basic steps, which begin with a commitment to keep a record. If you want to be wealthy, you must know exactly what your sources of income are bringing in and what expenses are going out. Too often, when I sit with people to talk about their budget, they have no idea either what is coming in or going out. That has to be fixed.

Second, you have to be responsible. Responsible means that your budget balances. Irresponsibility places you in debt. If you want to be wealthy, you can’t spend money because you have it. Your budget reminds you of expenses coming later in the month and financial goals you want to achieve. As a result, for now, you have to say no to that thing you want today, even though, technically, you might have the money.

Third, you need to decide to be an adult. The time has finally come to discipline the four-year-old kid that we all have living inside of us.

Finally, we need to remember the theme of “On Paper, On Purpose.” This theme is huge. You need to treat your dollars like they are your employees. They do what you tell them to do. A good employer doesn’t hire an employee so they can do whatever they want. They hire them because a task needs to be completed. Most disagreements between employers and employees stem from unclear job descriptions and expectations. I have a job, and there are certain things that I am expected to do. But there are also limits. Employees can’t do everything. Your money must have a job, but it can’t do everything. But you need to tell your money what to do. Give every dollar a name, agree on it with your spouse or significant other, and tell it what you want it to do.

All because a plan leads us to profit and wealth, while being lazy with our money leads us into poverty. Outside of significant, unexpected difficulties or injuries, it is really our decision which will be the reality in our lives. And if we begin to plan our finances early enough, even the unexpected won’t be able to derail us.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22