GOD CATCHES THOSE WHO THINK THEY ARE WISE IN THEIR OWN TRAPS

A story is told of a rich man who no wife, no children, no other family members and decided to invite all the employees of his villa to dinner during Christmas. The story went on to say that he called the staff and asked them to sit at the table. In front of everyone there was a BIBLE and a small sum of MONEY.

After everyone was seated, the rich man asked: “What would you prefer to receive as a gift: this BIBLE or this MONEY? Do not be shy, you can choose what you want.”

THE HOUSEKEEPER was the first to react:

“Sir, I would love to receive the Bible, but since I have not learned to read, the money will be more useful to me.”

THE GARDENER was the second to speak:

“Sir, my wife is very sick and that’s why I need more money, otherwise I would choose the Bible for sure!”

The third was the COOK:

“Sir, I like reading to tell the truth, it’s one of the things I like to do, but I work so hard that I never find time to flip through a magazine, let alone the Bible. I will take the money. “

In the end, it is the turn of THE BOY who takes care of the animals of the villa.

And as the rich man knew that the boy’s family was very poor, he stepped forward and said: “Surely you too want the money, do not you?” So, you can buy food to have a good dinner at home and buy new shoes. “

BUT THE BOY, surprised everybody with his answer:
“It would not hurt to buy a turkey and other tasty food to share with my parents and siblings, I also need a pair of new shoes because mine are very old. Even so, I will choose the Bible, I have always wanted one. My mother taught me that the Word of God is worth more than gold and that it is useful one way or the other.”

After receiving the Bible, the boy immediately puffed it out and found two envelopes inside. In the first, there was a check that was ten (10) times higher than the money on the table. In the second, there was a document that made (whoever would choose the Bible), the heir to the wealth of the rich!

Faced with the boy’s emotion and the astonishment of the other servants, the rich man opened one of the Bibles and read aloud so that everyone could hear:

Psalm 19:7-10 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.

9 The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.

The End of the story.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY

The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. Material things and physical needs have no ending …money will never meet all our needs. We will always want more and more and never be satisfied. God catches those who think they are wise in their own traps because He knows our thoughts. The wisdom of man is foolishness to God and the fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom.

LET ME LEAVE YOU WITH THIS.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

¹⁶ Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

¹⁷ So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.