Mega Jackpot Money

Proverbs 20:21

          An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at
          the end.

• By the time they have been retired for two years, 78% of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress because of joblessness or divorce.
• Within five years of retirement, an estimated 60% of former NBA players are broke.
• Numerous retired MLB players have been similarly ruined.

It is easy to pick on pro athletes, but we read much the same about lottery winners and second and third generation children of self-made millionaires. Money without wisdom is a snare and will lead to ruin. Throughout the Proverbs, work and wealth play a prominent role. Just in this chapter alone, several principles emerge:

• Consistent work provides for the future. v.4
• Honesty in business dealings is important. v.20,23
• Laziness brings poverty. v.13
• Good advice is critical. v.18

We should follow God’s wisdom on how to handle money so that whether we have much or little, our financial house will be intact.


Reference:
Torre, Pablo S. (2009). "How (and Why) Athletes Go Broke". Retrieved on April 20, 2010 from
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1153364/1/index.htm