We are all familiar with gold and silver. Some even value one goodness with the amount of silver and gold they have. People have stolen and killed for the likes of it. This brings me to the question of what is more important, life, good health and peace of mind or precious stones and jewelry (silver & gold.) Lets see what the Bible says about silver and gold. Look at the book of Deuteronomy 17:17 it says He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.

Now look at Judges 8: 23 But Gideon told them, I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you. And he said, I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.(it was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings.) They answered, Well be glad to give them. So they spread out a garment, and each man threw a ring from his plunder onto it. The weight of the gold rings he asked for came to seventeen hundred shekels, not counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian or the chains that were on the camels neck. Gideon made the gold into an ephod( an article of clothing), which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.

(Note) Gideons Ephod: After the Midianite war, the people gave a share of their plunder to Gideon; one gold earring each. Gideon takes the gold and forms it into an ephod, an article of clothing connected with worshiping God (Ex 28:6). Unfortunately, Gideons ephod has no such high purpose. Soon after he makes it, the Israelites begin to worship it. So quickly they forget their miraculous deliverance from the Midianites, so quickly they turn from God to go their own way-a story repeated time after time throughout Judges and throughout the history of the church as well. God forgives, God delivers. Were thankful and close to him for a time, but then we soon forget and go our own way a cycle that God will continue to work to break).

Now look at Psalm 106:39 it says They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. Therefore the Lord was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.

Look at Psalm 19:8 it says The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinance of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.

Now look at Psalms 119:9 it says How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decress. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoice in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

In closing look at Proverbs 22:1 it says A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common; The Lord is maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.

Love Always,
Your Sister in Christ,
Mellody Davis