The word prosperity, prosper, prospered, prospering, prosperous and prospers is mentioned in the Bible 98 times. In the Old Testament three words are used for prosperity in the Hebrew Language. The first word is tsalech which means: to push forward, break out, come mightily, go over, be good, be profitable, and to prosper. These describe outward sociopolitical and bodily prosperity. The second word is sakel, which means: expert, deal intelligently, skill, have good success, wise. This describes the prosperity of the soul - of mind, will, emotion and intellect. The third word is shalah, which means: to be tranquil, be happy, be in safety, prosperity. These describe the prosperity of the spirit. Thus prosperity in the Old Testament was not simply the financial or economic prosperity. Most modern prosperity teachers make their mistakes here. God’s concern is not limited to man’s basic needs. It encompasses the totality of man. When God prospers it is the balance that is His concern, probably and often at the pain of some other area. It is the man as a whole who prospers, not his wealth. Wealth comes as a part of the package, and if and only if it prospers the total man. It is this that is echoed in 3 John 2:3. Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health (prospers in body --KJV echo)) and that all may go well with you, even as your (you prosper in soul and spirit-- KJV echo) soul is getting along well.
3 John 2:3 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. (NKJ)
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