Ecclesiastes 9:15-16 | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 | Galatians 6:6 | 1 Corinthians 9:7-18
Many years ago, in the humble neighborhood of Shomolu, Pedro in Lagos, there was a market called Adaranijo Market. It was a time when trust was priceless. Vendors could leave their stalls unattended, with payments dropped into a bag, and buyers would take only what they had paid for. Even on highways leading to Shagamu, items like corn and mortars were displayed by the roadside, and people would pay honestly without supervision.
But one dishonest act changed everything. Someone saw an opportunity to steal—thinking it was foolish to trust so blindly. This one act of corruption forced the shop owners to hire salespeople, install CCTV cameras, and increase their costs. The price of goods remained the same, but corruption forced prices up, burdening innocent consumers.
This is the ripple effect of dishonesty—it doesn’t just affect the corrupt person; it raises the cost of living for everyone.
Integrity vs. Economics: The Harsh Reality
Imagine a man of unshakable integrity, entrusted with signing contracts worth millions, yet living in poverty because his salary alone could not sustain him. His children, seeing their father’s struggles, conclude that honesty does not pay. One son resolves never to work without getting “something in return,” believing that integrity is not an economic advantage.
The hard truth is:
✅ You can be honest and remain poor.
✅ Just because you refuse to lie doesn’t mean you’ll pass the test of economics.
✅ In fact, lying can even enhance financial success for those who choose that path.
This is not to justify dishonesty but to highlight that there is a reward for every decision. The moment you choose integrity, you are rejecting an immediate profit and investing in the good nature of people to unlock their gratitude.
The Inequality of Wealth: The Reality of Distribution
The world has enough resources for everyone, yet poverty persists because of inequality in distribution.
➡️ Some people have far more than they need, while others struggle.
➡️ We are not all equal—some are big thinkers, while others are not.
➡️ Some will never rise economically unless someone helps them.
While not everyone may pass the laws of economics, some carry unique godly values that deserve recognition and honor.
Your success is not just for you—your shoulders are not for fashion; they are meant to carry and uplift others.
Bribery, Greed & Ingratitude
Bribery is a product of greed and ingratitude. Many people demand bribes not because they are naturally corrupt, but because they were never appreciated.
When people fail to show gratitude for the value someone adds to their success, the system eventually forces a demandfor compensation. This is not to justify an entitlement mentality, but as Scripture says:
“He who lacks should not lack, and he who has enough should not withhold more than he needs.”
The Wise Poor Man: A Biblical Anomaly
Ecclesiastes 9 speaks of a wise poor man whose wisdom saved a city, yet he was forgotten. This is an anomaly. Wisdom should lead to wealth, but when it doesn’t, it highlights a failure in economic understanding.
In today’s world, if you don’t have money, there are certain levels of power, influence, and authority you will never step into.
Even the work of the gospel is affected by this reality. There are people and places you cannot gain access to without economic power—whether as an individual or an organization.
That is why Scripture says:
“Those who preach the gospel should eat from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14)
Yet, many pastors today are like the poor wise man—wise, yet struggling. This is why some manipulate members—because poverty is a barrier even in ministry.
The Proof of Capacity is Demonstration
➡️ You don’t just say you have capacity—you demonstrate it.
➡️ Wisdom without results lacks proof.
➡️ To attract certain types of people, you must spend money.
That is why the Bible says:
“Money is a defense, and wisdom is a defense, but wisdom gives life to those who have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12)
➡️ Wisdom alone is not enough—it must be economically backed to create impact.
➡️ There is a dimension of life you will never access until you master the laws of wealth creation.
This is not to discourage you, but to charge you—your spirituality must communicate value in the real world.
✅ When you are economically correct, you come correct.
✅ You can chase ideas and create lasting impact.
✅ You should have money and put it on an assignment.
Pastor’s Appreciation: Honoring Those Who Labor Over You
A day like Pastor’s Appreciation Service is a God-ordained opportunity to show gratitude to those who teach and labor over us in the Word.
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” (1 Timothy 5:17)
Those who work in God’s house should not lack. It is our responsibility to honor them, ensuring that their needs are met and that they are not victims of Ecclesiastes 9—wise but poor.
PRAYER
1. Prayer for Wisdom & Economic Understanding
Father, I ask for wisdom—not just to know what is right, but to apply it effectively. Teach me the principles of wealth creation and help me to balance integrity with economic understanding. Let my wisdom produce tangible results. Amen.
2. Prayer Against the Spirit of Poverty
Lord, I reject the mentality that keeps people wise yet poor. I declare that my wisdom will not be wasted. Open doors of opportunity and favor for me. Let the resources I need locate me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
3. Prayer for the Work of the Gospel
Father, bless those who labor in Your vineyard. Let our pastors and teachers never lack. Stir up the hearts of men to support the work of ministry. Let Your house be a place of abundance, not struggle, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
4. Prayer for Gratitude & Honor
Lord, help me to be a person of gratitude. Let me never take for granted the value others bring into my life. Give me a heart that honors and appreciates those You have placed over me. Amen.
Final Declaration
“I declare that I will walk in wisdom and wealth. I will not be the wise poor man; my wisdom will attract resources. I will be a person of integrity, yet I will also be economically empowered. I will honor those who labor in the Word and show gratitude where it is due. I will be a blessing to others, and I will rise to my God-ordained place of influence. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
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