Warren Edward Buffett (/ˈbʌfɨt/; born August 30, 1930) is an American business magnate, investor and philanthropist. He was the most successful investor of the 20th century. Buffett is the chairman, CEO and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, and consistently ranked among the world's wealthiest people. He was ranked as the world's wealthiest person in 2008 and as the third wealthiest in 2011. In 2012 Time named Buffett one of the world's most influential people (From Wikipedia). With this stellar CV, of course we're interested in what he has to say about finances and investments. They're very good advice so I'm reprinting them here, while taking liberty on literary enhancements, and then I'll build on these with a Biblical commentary.
WB on Earning: Never depend on a single income. Make investments to create a second source.
Biblical perspective: Here I would say- do not go on your own but seek God's blessings! Whether it be career or investments, though you work with all your heart, without God's favor, it could all come to naught.
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psalms 127:1-2 KJV)
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:1-3 KJV)
WB on Spending: If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.
Biblical perspective: Buying things you don't need shows a lazy attitude towards discretion and self-control, and also a lack of contentment.
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4 NIV)
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:9-11 NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)
WB on Savings: Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.
Biblical perspective: WB is talking about being intentional and purposeful on financial savings. It is interesting that a consistent atheist, one who says he does not or cannot believe in God, would be a physicalist, one who only believes in physical entities. But then a consistent physicalist would go to the extent of denying a "self" or a "mind" as these are not physical but metaphysical, and only the brain is a physical object. But then how can physical objects be intentional about anything? Can a table want to be in the living room instead of the kitchen, or want to have small night tables to be "complete"? In contrast, God's intentionality is shown all throughout the Bible, and He wants His people to also be intentional. Working and saving ahead of one's need is part of God's desire for his people.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:10-11 NIV)
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (2 Timothy 1:9 NIV)
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV)
WB on Taking Risks: Never test the depth of a river with both feet.
Biblical perspective: Being cautious with risks and investments is common sense. God has given people sound minds, and we are to use the sound-mind principle to make practical decisions. Also, we are to pursue wisdom. And not just the wisdom of men, but the wisdom of God.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16 NIV)
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. (Proverbs 3:13-14 NIV)
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. (Proverbs 2:6-8 NIV)
WB on Expectations: Honesty is a very expensive gift. Do not expect it from cheap people.
Biblical perspective: Though others be dishonest, still God calls His people to be honest. And as in Matthew 10:26, God's people need to be shrewd and perceptive as to when people are trying to deceive, while still remaining upright and not harming others.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
WB on Investment: Do not put all your eggs in one basket.
Biblical perspective: I can show a number of verses to demonstrate this principle as taught in the Bible from the lives of Abraham or Jacob or Joseph, or Nehemiah. But let me take another approach - if you are vesting all your life - your time, resources, affections and attention to this present world, then you are "putting all your eggs in one basket" as you are neglecting God and the looming eternity. Look at Mr. Warren Buffet. I have seen him over the years as he was a major investor in a corporation I previously worked in. But now he is truly advancing in age, as we all will, and so these next verses will be very crucial.
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.
And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16, 19-21 NIV)
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 NIV)
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.
I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. (Psalm 37:1-2, 4, 10, 20, 35-36, 39 NIV)
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. (John 3:5-7, 16, 18, 36 NIV)
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14-15 NIV)
I hope you picked up more than a few points from this.
Post a comment if you want to pursue any point further.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
WB on Earning: Never depend on a single income. Make investments to create a second source.
Biblical perspective: Here I would say- do not go on your own but seek God's blessings! Whether it be career or investments, though you work with all your heart, without God's favor, it could all come to naught.
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psalms 127:1-2 KJV)
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:1-3 KJV)
WB on Spending: If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.
Biblical perspective: Buying things you don't need shows a lazy attitude towards discretion and self-control, and also a lack of contentment.
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4 NIV)
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:9-11 NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)
WB on Savings: Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.
Biblical perspective: WB is talking about being intentional and purposeful on financial savings. It is interesting that a consistent atheist, one who says he does not or cannot believe in God, would be a physicalist, one who only believes in physical entities. But then a consistent physicalist would go to the extent of denying a "self" or a "mind" as these are not physical but metaphysical, and only the brain is a physical object. But then how can physical objects be intentional about anything? Can a table want to be in the living room instead of the kitchen, or want to have small night tables to be "complete"? In contrast, God's intentionality is shown all throughout the Bible, and He wants His people to also be intentional. Working and saving ahead of one's need is part of God's desire for his people.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:10-11 NIV)
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (2 Timothy 1:9 NIV)
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV)
WB on Taking Risks: Never test the depth of a river with both feet.
Biblical perspective: Being cautious with risks and investments is common sense. God has given people sound minds, and we are to use the sound-mind principle to make practical decisions. Also, we are to pursue wisdom. And not just the wisdom of men, but the wisdom of God.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16 NIV)
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. (Proverbs 3:13-14 NIV)
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. (Proverbs 2:6-8 NIV)
WB on Expectations: Honesty is a very expensive gift. Do not expect it from cheap people.
Biblical perspective: Though others be dishonest, still God calls His people to be honest. And as in Matthew 10:26, God's people need to be shrewd and perceptive as to when people are trying to deceive, while still remaining upright and not harming others.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
WB on Investment: Do not put all your eggs in one basket.
Biblical perspective: I can show a number of verses to demonstrate this principle as taught in the Bible from the lives of Abraham or Jacob or Joseph, or Nehemiah. But let me take another approach - if you are vesting all your life - your time, resources, affections and attention to this present world, then you are "putting all your eggs in one basket" as you are neglecting God and the looming eternity. Look at Mr. Warren Buffet. I have seen him over the years as he was a major investor in a corporation I previously worked in. But now he is truly advancing in age, as we all will, and so these next verses will be very crucial.
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.
And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16, 19-21 NIV)
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 NIV)
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.
I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. (Psalm 37:1-2, 4, 10, 20, 35-36, 39 NIV)
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. (John 3:5-7, 16, 18, 36 NIV)
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14-15 NIV)
I hope you picked up more than a few points from this.
Post a comment if you want to pursue any point further.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Comments
Post a Comment