Ecclesiastes 5:10, 13-15, 18-20 (NIV) 10Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. ... 13I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, 14or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit. 15Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone come, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. ... 18This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life3 God has given them—for this is their lot. 19Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
Years ago there was a popular joke circulating. The main idea told a story of a miserly man who made his wife promise to place all his wealth with him in his casket upon his death. The wife promised to do exactly as instructed. Faithful to her promise, at his funeral, she placed a check for the full amount in his casket.
At first glance, our text seems to indicate that accumulation of wealth is an exercise in futility. In fact, verse 15 of our text could be the basis of the well-known and oft-repeated cliché, “You can’t take it with you.” Yet wealth in itself does not seem to be the problem. The last few verses provide the key. Tangible wealth may come or go. It is the one who can accept whatever he has, whether little or much, and yet continues the daily tasks he is able do, who has found true wealth. This person does not waste time reliving the past or wishing about what might be, could be, or should be. This person is too busy to dwell on fantasies because this person is focused on the God—this person has true gladness of heart—this person has found true wealth.
Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,
Thank you for the daily satisfaction of working for you. May all that we do or say be pleasing to you. Grant us the ability to handle whatever measure of wealth you permit in a way that brings honor and glory to Your Name.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.
The devotion True Wealth was originally written for Sunday, January 7, 2018; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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