An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Types of Capitalists

(Proverbs 11:16 KJV)  A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

The differing translations here make me wonder how “strong” (KJV), “violent” (NASB), “ruthless” (Updated NASB) a Christian can be.  The range of definitions ranges from “awe-inspiring” to “ruthless”.  It has the sense of being very aggressive in trying to reach goals.  The goals are implied to be self-seeking.  The problem is not in being strong.  This is the only place the KJV uses that positive translation of the word.  All other places it is used of people that God is destroying or people that God is using to destroy.

So?  This does not condemn riches but those who use the wrong methods to attain riches.  This condemnation would not apply to the capitalist starting a new company and building it up.  It would apply to the corporate raider who bought out companies, liquidated the assets and fired all the people.  Method and attitude do make a difference. 

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