“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, ESV

At the risk of being misunderstood—or worse, cancelled—I feel the need to put this out in the open: poverty is not noble.

I know how sensitive that sounds. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—those with much, and those with very little. I understand the economic realities many of our kababayans face. But let me say this with brotherly conviction and financial clarity: there is nothing noble about suffering through poverty indefinitely, especially when we have the opportunity, ability, and responsibility to rise above it.

Yes, God honors the humble. Yes, He is close to the brokenhearted. But nowhere in Scripture does it say that staying in poverty is a spiritual achievement. Poverty can be dehumanizing. It limits your choices, restricts your impact, and in many cases, slowly erodes your dignity.

Poverty Isn’t a Badge of Honor

There’s a romanticism about being poor that can sometimes creep into our beliefs. But let’s be honest—there’s no glory in not being able to feed your children, drowning in debt or in constantly living dependent on others. Poverty makes life harder than it should be. It doesn’t just affect your wallet—it affects your mind, your health, and your relationships.

Let’s be clear: money is not the most important thing in life, but it touches almost every important area of life.

Money as a Tool, Not a God

When used with wisdom, money can prevent many human indignities. It can put food on the table, send kids to school, cover medical bills, and give families breathing room. It gives you the power to say “no” to toxic jobs, “yes” to meaningful opportunities, and “here” to someone in need.

Money isn’t evil. The love of money is. But properly earned, ethically managed money is one of the most powerful tools God has entrusted to us.

“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”
— Proverbs 21:20, ESV

Wisdom builds. Foolishness consumes. God calls us to be wise stewards, not passive spectators.

Dignity Through Work and Earning

The Bible never condemns wealth honestly gained. In fact, Scripture repeatedly affirms the value of hard work, productivity, and financial independence. One of my favorite passages is 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, which encourages us to work with our hands, live quietly, and be dependent on no one. Why? Because it leads to dignity and respect—even among those who don’t share our faith.

Earning well is not about greed or status—it’s about living with responsibility and freedom. It means you’re not a burden to others. It means you can give, build, and serve out of overflow—not from survival.

“It is good and proper for a man to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot.”
— Ecclesiastes 5:18, ESV

There is joy and dignity in being able to provide, not just for your own needs, but for others as well.

The Right Appetite for Earning

There is nothing wrong with having a strong desire to earn—if it’s anchored in godly purpose. I have no guilt in saying that I want to earn as much as I am able to, by God’s grace. Why? Because I want to:

• Provide for my family
• Help others generously
• Fund kingdom work and ministry
• Build meaningful ventures
• Avoid being a burden to others
• Live with dignity, not dependence

Let’s stop apologizing for wanting to prosper with purpose. When money is earned through value creation, hard work, and honest effort—it becomes a testimony, not a temptation.

Think about this…

Poverty should not be glorified. It should be addressed—with compassion, with solutions, and with responsibility.

And earning money—wisely, honestly, and purposefully—is part of that solution.

Let’s teach this to our children. Let’s model it in our communities. And let’s stop equating holiness with lack. We are called to be stewards, not just survivors.

So yes, I give money the respect it deserves. Not because I love it, but because I’ve learned that money, when submitted to God, becomes a tool for dignity, generosity, and impact.

If that offends, so be it. I’d rather speak uncomfortable truth than perpetuate a cycle of silent struggle.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You are our ultimate Provider. Forgive us for the times we have misunderstood the purpose of money or settled into lack as if it were a calling. Teach us to earn with integrity, to give with joy, and to steward with wisdom. Help us to live lives marked not by greed or fear, but by dignity, generosity, and purpose. May our financial lives honor You—and bless others. In Jesus’ name, amen.