Summary:

From society’s point of view, prosperity is only defined as financial success; however, the God-kind of prosperity, while including financial success, extends to every area of life. We can prosper mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, and financially in the Kingdom of God. A fool is a person who refuses to accept God and His wisdom. Therefore, the worldly-kind of prosperity, which consists only of money and material things, destroys the fool.

  1. There are two types of prosperity.
    1. There is prosperity that derives from the Word of God.
      1. This type of prosperity comes by operating in faith and seeing God’s promises come to pass.
      2. Godly people can prosper financially by committing to God’s way of doing things. All the gold and silver belongs to Him (Haggai 2:6-9).
    2. There is prosperity that derives from worldly methods.
      1. There are ungodly people who prosper in the world and increase in riches (Psalm 73:12).
      2. Many times prosperity is viewed as evil because it is viewed merely from a worldly perspective.
      3. The wealth of the wicked will eventually be transferred to those in right standing with God (Proverbs 13:22, AMP).
      4. The wicked rich will be utterly consumed with terrors (Psalm 73:19, AMP).
      5. The ungodly rich hate the knowledge and reproof of God. Therefore, their prosperity will destroy them (Proverbs 1:28).
  2. The definition of a fool:
    1. A fool despises godly wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
    2. A fool is right in his own eyes (Proverbs 12:15).
    3. A fool makes a mockery of sin (Proverbs 14:9, AMP, Galatians 6:7).
    4. A fool hides hatred in his heart with lies and slander (Proverbs 10:18).
    5. A fool does mischief just for fun (Proverbs 10:23).
    6. A fool uses twisted speech that opposes the Word of God (Proverbs 19:1).
    7. A fool trusts his own insight and understanding (Proverbs 28:26, Proverbs 3:5, 6).
    8. A fool says all that is on his mind (Proverbs 29:11).
    9. A fool operates in darkness (Ecclesiastes 2:14, 1 John 2:9-11).
    10. A fool makes vows, but does not pay them (Ecclesiastes 5:4).
    11. A fool is swallowed by his own mouth (Ecclesiastes 10:12).
    12. A fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1).

Scripture References:

  • Psalm 73:12, 19
  • Haggai 2:6-9
  • Proverbs 13:22, AMP
  • Proverbs 1:28
  • Proverbs 1:7
  • Proverbs 12:15
  • Proverbs 14:9, AMP
  • Galatians 6:7
  • Proverbs 10:18
  • Proverbs 10:23
  • Proverbs 19:1
  • Proverbs 28:26
  • Proverbs 3:5, 6
  • Proverbs 29:11
  • Ecclesiastes 2:14
  • 1 John 2:9-11
  • Ecclesiastes 5:4
  • Ecclesiastes 10:12
  • Psalm 14:1
  • Psalm 53:1
  • Luke 24:25

Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org