August 27, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Primarily this verse deals with eternal salvation. By the way, “Eternity is too long to be wrong” about salvation. However, as with all Scripture there is also a practical application that can be made from this verse. Consider the “day of wrath” as a result of wrongful actions on behalf of a rich person. Riches have never, will never, and can never profit during the time of rage, fury, anger, or wrath. Too many rich people have suffered the awful results that accompany such, proving that whether one is rich or poor, wrath has consequences.

Likewise, those who, on balance, live a righteous life are oftentimes delivered from death. This death could be the death of a relationship, a business, a friendship, or even physical death. Living a life that could be characterized as “righteous” is safe. Death certainly comes to all, righteous and unrighteous alike. But the human goal is to put off that death as long as possible.

Remember the story of Midas? Everything he touched turned to gold, but he could never embrace his wife, his children, or even touch his food. For upon doing so they would turn to gold. His riches of gold did not profit him in the everyday living of life, they hindered him. So too it is in the day of wrath; riches will not profit in that day, only righteousness.

Dr. William Howe