Day 82 Through The Bible

Day 82: Prosperity – Who Defines It?

In today’s world, prosperity is often portrayed as something that comes with wealth, honor, and status. The world’s philosophy teaches that those with power and wealth are the ones who, indeed, prosper, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that this is the ultimate measure of success. People who do not follow the Lord may try to define for you what prosperity means and try to lure you into their vision of success. However, as believers, we must remember that true prosperity cannot be measured by the world’s standards but only by God’s Word. When we look at the Scriptures, we see that prosperity is not defined by wealth or honor but by obedience to God’s will and His control over everything.

Biblical Principle: Absolute Truth from God’s Word

The world will try to convince you that prosperity is about gaining wealth and honor, but the Bible tells us something entirely different. In Numbers 24:10-13, we read about the story of Balaam, a prophet who was enticed by King Balak's promise of great wealth and honor, but his fate was in the hands of God.

Numbers 24:10-13 (KJV)
And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times. 11Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour. 12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying, 13If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak.

In this passage, Balaam could not act outside of God’s will despite his desires for riches. Even though King Balak promised him wealth and honor, Balaam could not go beyond God’s command. The truth is that no one can go beyond what God allows. We may make plans, seek riches, or strive for honor, but ultimately, God is in control.

Practical Application: Understanding True Prosperity

Balaam’s story teaches us that God’s control is ultimate, and even the most influential people on earth cannot thwart God’s will. Balaam may have desired to play both sides—accepting rewards from God and the world—but ultimately, God stopped him from going against His people. God’s will and authority supersede everything else.

Jude 1:11 (KJV)
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

2 Peter 2:15-16 (KJV)
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

These verses remind us that following the path of Balaam, seeking reward and honor at any cost leads to destruction. Balaam loved the “wages of unrighteousness,” and his greed for wealth and honor led him astray. He was rebuked for his actions, and in the end, even his donkey had to speak to stop his madness. The lesson is clear—true prosperity comes from walking in obedience to God, not from chasing after the fleeting rewards of the world.

Defining Prosperity: Who Is Leading You?

So, how do you define prosperity? Is it based on the world’s standards of wealth and recognition, or do you measure it by your relationship with God and His will for your life? Are you letting the world direct your ideas of what is essential, or are you seeking God's guidance and wisdom in defining what it means to prosper?

True prosperity isn’t about accumulating wealth or accolades—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s purposes. It’s about obeying His Word, trusting in His control, and seeking His glory above all else. When we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, prosperity will follow in peace, fulfillment, and the assurance that we live in God’s will.

Reflecting on Your Life

Take a moment to reflect: Who directs your ideas of what is truly important in life? Are you pursuing the world’s version of prosperity or seeking God’s will above all? Just as Balaam was reminded that even a house full of gold could not sway him from God’s will, remember that true prosperity is not in what the world can offer—it is found in living in obedience to God and trusting in His control over all things.

Let’s not be like Balaam, running after rewards that lead us astray. Instead, let’s seek God’s will, knowing that true prosperity is a life that aligns with His purposes.

Pray for wisdom and discernment in defining prosperity according to God’s Word. Trust in His sovereignty and remember that He is in control, no matter what the world may say.