Holey Socks and Other Deep Thoughts.
I was getting dressed at the Y and one of the guys I see almost every time was also in the locker room. I held up my sock and there was a big hole in the heel of it. I said “I don’t know, what do you think? Time to retire this one?” He laughed and said, “Better hold on to that one for prosperity.”
I’m pretty certain he meant to say “posterity” as in, it’s an historical artifact. But “prosperity” works also. As in, don’t throw anything away until it is used up and worn out. In doing so you won’t waste and will save money. Proverbs 13:11. Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 21:20. The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
I remember talking to a friend who was complaining about not having enough money, although I knew that his household income was nearly double that of mine. I also knew that he had subscriptions to a paid music venue for each of his kids and he and his wife, several online movie/TV sites and gaming. I merely said, “How much are you spending a month in entertainment subscriptions?” He got mad at me and spoke about how those were necessities. I pointed out that they really weren’t, they were optional entertainment. (yes, we are still friends, LOL) 1 Timothy 6:6-8. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Another friend wanted a newer car. They had to have something fast and flashy. They bought a very expensive car to look cool in. Later they complained about the monthly payment. It was more than my mortgage. I said, “You need to quit trying to define how manly you are by the car that you drive.” They laughed because I was driving my little yellow Aveo. My whole car cost me less than two of his monthly payments. Proverbs 22:7. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
When I managed the bus garage, I had drivers who would consistently call off work, and turn down opportunities to do extra trips and earn easy money. Then when I handed out the paychecks, those same people would complain that they hardly had any money. Proverbs 6:6-8. Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 14:23. All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Want to be financially well off? Work hard and diligently. Don’t spend money you don’t have on things you don’t need. Save money instead of rushing out to spend it all on things you think you want.