Our text of Proverbs 10:15 is interesting. It is not mean to be a praise for the wise man who has the city as his wealth. If we remember what we covered in Proverbs 10:14, about what real riches is. In our verse, the rich view their wealth, and their city as being the source of their protection and position. On the other side, the poor believe that because they lose and have their little possessions destroyed, they themselves are destroyed. Put this in light with what we read in Proverbs 10:14. Real wealth comes from storing up wisdom, and we have looked at this throughout Proverbs. The sum of wealth is not found in our possessions, as we find what Jesus says in Luke 12:15. Therefore, for the rich, their city does not mean they are wealthy, nor the loss for the poor mean they are destitute. Instead, the Bible elevates the concept of work, labor, and earning our wealth by our own work.

If we look at Proverbs 14:16, notice the contrast. The labor (work) of the righteous leads to life. This is wealth. This life is true life, a life that is real, and yes, eternal. The second part is the kicker. The wages (payment) for the wicked is sin. Sin is that thing which separates us from God. An easy way to understand sin is anything we do, say, or think that is contrary to God, His nature, and His Word. This sin brings separation for eternity in a place called hell. The New Testament carries this idea forward in Romans 6:23. This wage brings nothing but destruction and poverty, even if the individual feels they are wealthy.

It is a short devotional today, and the question posed is, what or Who are we trusting in? Is it in our possessions, or lack thereof, or is it in Jesus Christ Who brings righteousness? Each one of us must make that choice and realize that our possessions can become the very thing that can lead us astray if our possessions become the final source for us.