The Difference Between Falling and Flourishing (Proverbs 11:28)
Listen Here:
Proverbs 11:28
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Yesterday in Proverbs 8:10-11, we saw the value of wisdom over wealth. Here we see that once again.
‘Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.’
Now there’s something unique about this verse. By this point, if you’re a seasoned veteran, if you will – a Christian who has been walking with the Lord for a while – you probably know the hollow nature of riches. It’s like a sparkler. Bright for a moment, gone the next. Something that can excite, but it can never fulfill, as it won’t last.
The reason this verse is unique, though, at least from my perspective, is because it’s actually about trust. It’s easy to read the Proverbs and walk away thinking wealth is the problem, despising any material gain in the name of wisdom being better. And of course wisdom is better. But this verse isn’t discouraging the possession of riches; it’s discouraging making them your refuge and trust.
The issue here isn’t having money – it’s leaning on it.
It’s idolatrous to trust in wealth. But it’s also idolatrous to trust in your spouse, your job, your image, your success – you name it. Anything we put our faith in – anything we make our refuge – besides Jesus will eventually let us down. But Jesus never fails.
Let Him be your satisfying portion. Let Him be your trust.
Because here’s what happens when He is: While those who trust in riches collapse and fall, the righteous don’t just stay standing – they flourish. They’re like a green leaf in spring. Alive, vibrant, growing.
It’s the same picture from Psalm 1: The righteous are like a tree planted by streams of water – roots deep, leaves full. Even in drought, they thrive.
So here’s the question facing us all today:
Where’s your trust?
What have you been leaning on lately?
What are you tempted to trust more than Jesus?
So today – whatever you’ve been leaning on – come back to Jesus. Make Him your refuge again. He’s the only One who won’t let you fall.
