St. Raphael Parish

Chapter 6:1-35: Wisdom’s Warnings
Verses 1-15: Money, Laziness: A parent [father/mother] instructs the youth in prudent use of money. One must think before making financial commitments on behalf of others. Borrowing money or letting oneself be in debt to others shouldn’t be based on mere trust. One must have independence in managing one’s own wealth. Wisdom appeals to insight into human affairs in financial decision making. Being in the ‘money power’ of others would destabilize or destroy life. The youth must come to know and admit his/her mistakes; in setbacks one must not fall into laziness and shame. Laziness is often visited by ‘poverty’; it strikes like an armed robber [not social situation of poverty but as outcome of imprudent living]. The lazy is his/her own victim; therefore, learn from mistakes and rise to advance in life. In money matters one must know one’s limits and act responsibly. To the sluggish, wisdom gives the example of Ant to learn how to adapt wisely to changing life situations. There is greater harmony in the animal world than among humans. Ant is not under the command of another; it acts according to the order given by God to plan for the future [not anxiety] with diligence. The story of Joseph in Egypt [Genesis 40-45] is a model of wise manager of wealth, who saved grain for future adverse weather!
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