If we are Christians at all, we must be Christians always, looking constantly to Jesus, practicing His lessons, doing His work. Then we are safe. Those who live the word of Christ, as well as hear it, will in due time reap that which they have sown. God's Word, carefully and prayerfully studied, will keep all well-balanced. The Ruler of the nations has protested against man working out his own will, trampling on righteous principles and ignoring the wisdom of God. He declares, "He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent" [Prov. 28:20]. The books of heaven mark him as one guilty of fraud. "Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" [1 Tim. 6:17]. "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life" [Prov. 22:4]. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" [Heb. 13:5].
You cannot set aside the light God has sent to shine upon your pathway, and yet walk in its rays. You are to deal justly, never oppressing your fellow-men. We must study God's word to find out His way. No one who does this in sincerity will walk in darkness. Those who are trying to secure means by speculating in mines or land might better cease this work, and find some steady, honest business. Those who encourage the thirst for gaining riches by speculation will extinguish the light God has set for his feet. If he makes money fast, he will spend it unwisely, and this prodigality will be his ruin. He must continue to make largely in order to keep up his habit of living. Thus many are drawn into the gambling hells to gain money fast enough to meet expenses.
If the professed Christian has success in his first speculations, his ruin is almost sure. Scheme after scheme will be entered upon. Lands will be represented as teeming with gold. A large percentage will be promised for all investments. Thus many are deceived. Shares are taken. Then come loss and ruin, in which some lose all they possess.
Man proposes, but in order to save him from utter ruin, God disposes. God protests against the greed of the natural heart for gold. Whenever His way is departed from and His will violated, by nations, churches, institutions, or individuals, it is recorded in the books of heaven, and retribution will surely follow. "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase" [Eccl. 5:10]. He who says to gold, "Thou art my confidence" [Job 31:24], will find himself "pierced through with many sorrows" [1 Tim. 6:10]. God would have His people keep themselves from all speculations.--Manuscript 26, Diary entry, January 7, 1890. 15MR 69-70
Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:1-6 (New King James Version)