According to the merriam webster dictionary, prosperity is the state of being successful usually by making a lot of money or the condition of being successful or thriving; especially economic well-being. The dictionary definition of prosperity is the condition of being prosperous and having good fortune or financial success. Here prosperity is seen as financial success. And this is simply Financial Prosperity.
Divine prosperity on the other hand goes beyond money; Blessing and prosperity are more than money. According to Strong’s Complete Concordance of the Bible, one Hebrew word for prosperity is shalom. Also according to Strong’s, shalom is “completeness, soundness, welfare and peace.” This shows prosperity here does not deal entirely with money; if we have soundness and peace in our soul with good health, we are more than rich. Money cannot compare with a healthy soul. It is priceless! Financial blessing is just a bonus. The real deal has to do with the salvation (prosperity) of our soul. Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?“ Paul continues to say in 3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”
1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain”.
Divine prosperity therefore is the gift of salvation; to have and maintain a healthy soul, healthy body and also make wealth (riches). It is also the empowerment we receive to meet the spiritual and physical/material needs of others. Divine prosperity is also humility; Proverbs 22:4 “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
In Genesis 39:2-3, we learn of Joseph who is a slave in Potiphar’s house, the Lord was with him and prospered him in everything he did. The contrast here is how did the LORD prosper this slave? was it financial prosperity? Joseph did not have money yet the bible makes us understand God prospered him; this certainly is divine prosperity in that Joseph found favor and grace in the sight of his master. Ha!! James 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.“ Through the humility (prosperity) of his soul, he receives more grace from God which translates into success in his master’s assignments leading to his greatness and acquisition of wealth not only for himself but for his family and the nations!
Divine prosperity is God’s word which empowers us to be successful in soul, health and financially.
Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.“
Embedded in Salvation is good health, honor and wealth. Now, this is divine prosperity: Salvation! ~Cynthia Clive~
