by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 10th of April, 2026

In this session, we will continue to look at Proverbs Chapter 10.

Proverbs 10:15 – “The rich man’s wealth is his fortress, the ruin of the poor is their poverty.”

What an intriguing verse this is. Yet, it provides valuable advice that will help us all. These two verses work together to teach an important lesson about the wealth of the righteous and the state of poverty.

It's easy to assume, living in a capitalist society, that money provides security. It doesn't. Riches, in themselves, aren't inherently bad and are certainly better than poverty, offering clear benefits. It's like a strong city for those who have it — one that offers its residents protection from potential attacks or problems. 

In Old Testament times, a strong city would have…(POSB)

This suggests that, from a human perspective, wealthy individuals are protected from most of life’s financial challenges and serious losses. They have plenty of food, warm clothing, and more than enough shelter. They have the means to repair or replace anything broken. They can store food in reserve in case of drought or famine and have access to the best healthcare. In short, they have the resources to manage any crises that come their way. 

Sadly, many people rely on their wealth for security instead of trusting God. They think their money can fix any problem or fulfil any need. But in the end, their wealth will be completely useless to them. It won't earn them any favour with God. Rather, it will serve as a judge against them. 

Why? Because they will have to stand before God to give an account for everything, He has entrusted to them and how they have used it. Suddenly, their wealth will seem more like a curse than a blessing. 

At the same time, poor people live on the brink of ruin. In this verse, the word Poor (dal) refers to those who are weak and unable to help themselves. Their resources are meagre or inadequate. It does not refer to those who are poor because of their own bad choices. Rather, these people are poor because of circumstances beyond their control, and they are powerless to change their circumstances. 

The word translated “ruin” in this verse is used to describe the fate of a city whose hedges and strongholds have been broken down (Psalm 89:40). Such a city is vulnerable and defenceless against an external attack. Sadly, the poor are also very vulnerable and defenceless against those who would oppress them. They barely make a living, and many lack life’s most basic necessities. They cannot save for unforeseen problems, so any unexpected circumstance can plunge them into sudden ruin. Simply stated, there is no material advantage to being poor. Poverty is not something to be envied or sought after.

Although it may initially seem that this verse suggests being rich is the ideal, we know that is not true. Calamity often strikes the rich because they rely on their riches for security rather than trusting in the Lord. 

By contrast, poor people often see themselves as hopeless and don’t try to rise above it. However, Jesus taught that the poor are blessed, and when He came, He announced the Good News to them (Matthew 5:3). This Good News is that the Kingdom of God isn’t about riches or poverty. Instead, it calls each of us to find the place God has called us to, and we will find that He will more than adequately provide for us there.  

Both rich and poor alike are to, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).