“The poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.” (Ecclesiastes 9.16)

Whichever way you read this verse, there’s only one interpretation for it: No matter how right or wise your words may be, if you’re poor, nobody will listen to you.

King Solomon, the wealthiest man this earth has ever seen, knew what he was talking about. Wealth commands attention. Money talks. And people listen.

The Lord Jesus put it in another way: “But wisdom is justified by her children.” (Matthew 11.19) If your wisdom is so good, its achievements will speak for itself. That’s why He wasn’t a man of words only, but a man of action. His word can be trusted, His wisdom deserves to be listened to, because it bore fruit.

So you think you’re a Christian. You think others should listen to you because you know ‘the way, the truth, and the life.’ Okay. So you’d better start having something to show for your faith and wisdom. Otherwise, you will be as respected as a beggar who gives financial advice.