Adversity was the way God used to test the character of the people of Israel. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. The economic difficulty that many business people face as the global economy is re structured will tempt them to despair. Perseverance is the key to survival economically and faithfulness is the key to survival spiritually. However, another test of character will come with material success in business.
Prosperity can be the crucible in which character is proved true or false.
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness. God had blessed Solomon greatly because of his character, because he maintained justice and righteousness in Israel.