The Wake-Up Call – “The Smallest Biggest Truth about Money”

Podcast: The Wake-Up Call
Host: Seedbed (J.D. Walt, with David Walt)
Episode Date: January 13, 2026
Theme: Exploring wisdom on money from Proverbs; understanding the value of “little by little” and resisting the lure of “easy money.”

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a profound but often overlooked financial wisdom found in Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” J.D. Walt reflects personally and biblically on resisting the temptations of “easy money” in favor of the slow, wise, faithful stewardship that Jesus calls us to. The episode weaves Scripture, personal stories, reflections on the dangers of gambling and lottery culture, and a hymn reminding listeners to trust in Christ above all.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 13:11

(04:10)

• The main theme is drawn from Proverbs 13:11 about the perils of dishonest or easily gotten money versus the blessing in diligent, gradual saving.
• J.D. reads:

  “Dishonest money dwindles away. But whoever gathers money, little by little, makes it grow.”

2. Personal Stories: Two Mindsets about Money

(04:55 - 07:50)

• J.D. shares from his upbringing: working hard on a farm, saving every penny from tough manual jobs, while simultaneously being tempted by quick-money schemes like horse race betting and poker.
• He juxtaposes the careful saver with the aspiring gambler in himself, highlighting a universal tension:

  “On the one hand, I worked really hard for every dime I earned. On the other hand, I was constantly lured by the promise of easy money.” (05:55)

3. Competing Proverbs: “Easy Come, Easy Go” vs. “A Penny Saved…”

(06:45)

• Points out that these common sayings mirror the truth in Proverbs 13:11.
• Stresses the universal struggle with the promise of effortless gain.

4. A Father’s Wisdom: “There’s No Such Thing as Easy Money”

(07:35)

• A memorable moment and quote:

  “John David, there’s no such thing as easy money.”
  — J.D.’s father, in response to his grumbling over tough farm work.

• J.D. calls this the “smallest, biggest truth about money.”

5. The Temptation of the Lottery and Multi-Level Marketing

(08:10 - 10:25)

• Cautions listeners about schemes promising easy money, likening lottery tickets and MLMs as traps that “quickly learned...it would take far more labor than their recruiter represented.”

• Urges repetition of his father’s maxim:

  “There is no such thing as easy money.” (09:21)

6. “Little by Little” — The Hidden Power of Faithful Saving

(09:50)

• Highlights the essential wisdom:

  “Little by little—it’s the smallest, biggest truth about money.”

• Shares how his mother’s habit of saving change and dollar bills has not come from scarcity, but abundance—becoming a “minor hedge fund” to help those in need (10:00).

7. On Wealth, Wisdom, and Generosity

(10:29 - 12:20)

• Cites a recent $1.8 billion Powerball lottery win as “ruinous,” emphasizing the dangers sudden wealth can bring.
• Clarifies:

  “It’s about Wisdom. That’s what we’re doing here. And being wise with money. Golly.” (11:12)

• Warns against confusing financial wisdom with “scarcity mentality.” True wisdom is marked by generosity, not fear.

8. Quoting John Wesley

(12:25)

• Shares John Wesley’s classic money guidance:

  “Make all you can, give all you can, save all you can.”

  • Sir, we'll save the elucidation of that for another day.

9. Journal Prompts: Self-Reflection on Money

(09:50 - 10:25)

• Encourages listeners to examine:
  • Why do people buy lottery tickets?
  • Do we believe there’s no such thing as easy money?
  • Am I practicing “little by little,” or am I chasing quick riches?
  • How can I grow into “little by little” wisdom?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the folly of easy money:

  “There is no such thing as easy money.” (Repeated throughout, e.g., 09:21)

• On the lottery:

  “You are not going to win the lottery, so stop buying tickets.” (09:58)
  “I don’t really think [the lottery] is that honest...I don’t think they’re wise, though. That’s the point, isn’t it?” (11:30)

• On financial wisdom:

  “Wisdom actually looks like generosity.” (12:03)

• On saving little by little:

  “Those three wise little words—little by little—it’s the smallest, biggest truth about money.” (09:50)

• John Wesley maxim:

  “Make all you can, give all you can, save all you can.” (12:25)

Key Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------| | 04:10 | Reads Proverbs 13:11 | | 04:55 | Personal stories about work, farming, and hustles| | 05:55 | Reflection on being lured by easy money | | 07:35 | Father’s wisdom: “There’s no such thing...” | | 08:10 | The universal battle – quick schemes | | 09:50 | Mother's practice of saving “little by little” | | 10:25 | Journal prompts for self-examination | | 11:12 | Cautions on lottery, wisdom vs. fear | | 12:25 | John Wesley’s “make, give, save” |

Hymn Feature: “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”

(14:42 - 17:58)

• J.D. and his father, David Walt, sing all four verses of the classic hymn.
• J.D. personalizes the hymn (“How I trust you...how I’ve proved you over and over.”), encouraging deeper, more personal trust in Christ.
• Key moment:

  “That’s what we’re doing today. We are going to trust in Jesus...That’s wisdom, right?...Trust in the Lord Jesus with all your heart.” (18:02–19:01)

Reflections & Applications

• The smallest, biggest truth in money is “little by little.”
• Resisting the lure of quick riches is a matter of wisdom, not scarcity.
• Generosity and faithful stewardship—rather than quick gain—define biblical financial living.
• Trusting in Jesus underpins our finances as much as every part of life.

Final Words

The episode blends practical financial wisdom with spiritual encouragement, using Scripture, story, and song to anchor listeners in the everyday grace of “little by little”—echoing Jesus’ call to trust and steady faithfulness.

Hosts:
J.D. Walt and David Walt

Ending encouragement:
“Go out. That’s wisdom, right?...There’s always more access to our heart opening up and more to give to Him. And in that way, we receive more—more of Him.” (18:43–19:23)