“Then Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, ‘Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master. Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?’” — 1 Samuel 25:10-11 (NKJV)
One of the worst things that can happen to a person is allowing money to take possession of them. When this happens, they lose respect for others and speak rudely, driven by the corrupting influence of wealth. You must watch out for this in your own life and actively avoid it. Often, people are deeply influenced by money without even realizing it. It blindfolds their reasoning, destroys their manners, and corrupts their communication.
A man in the Bible who fell for this kind of deceit was Nabal. He was a very wealthy man with a business in Carmel, owning three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. During a time when Nabal was shearing his sheep, David heard about it in the wilderness and sent ten young men to ask for a favor. When Nabal heard their request, he mockingly asked, “Who is David?” He did not ask this out of ignorance, but rather to spite him, likening David to a runaway servant.
Nabal failed to recognize the anointing on David’s life. He also ignored the fact that David and his men had generously protected his servants when they brought his animals to graze. Nabal spoke carelessly, and that arrogance ultimately led to his downfall. The Bible records, “Then it happened, after about ten days, that the Lord struck Nabal, and he died.” — 1 Samuel 25:38 (NKJV). This happened because he was so blinded by his wealth that he refused to honor God’s anointed or appreciate those who had protected his livelihood.
Sadly, this reflects how many people live today. They become so influenced by riches and comfort that they no longer recognize or respect the anointing. They lose their passion for God and disregard the things that pertain to Him. People can get so busy making money that they forget the One who gives them the ability to create wealth. They speak with pride and look down on others, feeling as though their success makes them superior or more hardworking.
The truth is, all of these material things can vanish in a single day. To avoid this tragic trap, you must possess your money, rather than letting your money possess you. No matter how rich you become, never forget to acknowledge God and His righteousness. Always give Him the glory He deserves and treat His people with respect. Remember the wisdom of the Bible: “…even if your riches increase, don’t depend on them.” — Psalm 62:10 (GNB).
Today’s Rhema
No matter how wealthy you become, do not let money become your god or your controlling influence!
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for refreshing my spirit with this vital truth about wealth. I declare that I am in charge of money, and not the other way around. I declare that money will never corrupt my character or negatively affect my words. The wisdom of God is at work in me, causing me to be a master over money, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
