Matthew 25:14–30 introduces the Parable of the Talents and with it, Jehovah the Venture Capitalist (VC). The text describes how God allocates resources. And, it provides much needed context to scriptures like Malachi 3:10 and Luke 6:38. That is, it brings clarity to why so many Christians tithe & give and yet remain poor. Also, why others do not receive returns commensurate to their giving.

You see, the lesson in the Parable of the Talents is that God appears to operate a venture model, not a Father Christmas model. He primarily gives seed capital to his children to trade with. Essentially, he becomes Jehovah VC.

God also specialises in dispensing wisdom (James 1:5). It is that wisdom combined with your seed (financial capital, abilities, creativity etc.) that produces wealth (Proverbs 8:11 & 18 AMP). But, it’s amazing how many people fail to ask for wisdom.

Now here’s an open secret. Wisdom will never create wealth in the real world unless it is accompanied by common sense, knowledge and skill.

“I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense], and I find knowledge and discretion.” Proverbs 8:12 AMP

“Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], and by knowledge its rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4 AMP

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

No matter how wise you are, if you ever received a revelation about Artificial Intelligence (AI); without knowledge and skill you will be unable to monetise it.

Back to the Parable of the Talents.

People who fail to deploy their seed capital tend to assume God is wicked when he doesn’t “bless” them. Like the servant in the story, they say, “I knew you to be a harsh and demanding man…” Matthew 25:24 AMP

But it’s really simple – God doesn’t like to waste gifts or wisdom.

“For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away.” Matthew 25:29 AMP

Want another interesting read? Check out Separation of Business and Faith.