In Whose Eyes Are You Wise?

(Proverbs 28:11 KJV)  The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

Why is it that according to Jesus it is hard for a “rich” (6223) “man” (376) to enter the kingdom of heaven?  Remember what He said,

(Matthew 19:24 KJV)  And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

The rich and successful are “wise” (2450), but only in their own eyes.  Success tends to nurture our ego and our pride.  This is natural.  The gifted see their ability and feel like hard work and talent have provided rewards.  Success needs a reason, right?  Being so self contained these people are a hard sell when it comes to trusting something, or Someone, outside themselves.

Because they are not impressed with themselves, the “poor” (1800b) have a  better “understanding” (995).  This analysis of the poor applies well historically but it loses some of its punch in modern times.  Our modern poor, fortified with the teachings of victimhood and the support of progressive social workers, tend to think very highly of themselves.  Studies have shown that the students with the highest self-esteem tend to have the lowest grade and students with the lowest self-esteem tend to do well academically.

Part of the Biblical definition or poor and rich has to do with humility.  Remember the Beatitudes and Jesus talking about the “poor in spirit.”

(Matthew 5:3 KJV)  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

So?  Do you want to know the kingdom of heaven?  It requires faith and trust in God.  That requires admitting our inadequacies.  If you have trouble with that, mediate on eternity for a time.  Try to figure out the trinity.  Don’t make me pray for you to have humbling experiences.