Sorry for not posting sooner but last Monday I had long-delayed rotator cuff surgery so I have been a bit out of commission. But it seems to be healing well and the pain has diminished so … here goes.
Let’s look at two verses in this post – one will deal with a right attitude towards wealth and one that deals with things that are better than wealth. First, take a look at Psalms 37:16:
Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.
Such a simple verse that says so much. Have you ever envied the wealth of others? I sure have. It just seems that no matter how much you have (or don’t have), it is so easy to look at others that are externally wealthier than you and you start thinking “wouldn’t it be nice …” Yet, if that wealth is gained improperly, it can be worse to have it than not to have it. Remember how God’s Word clearly indicates that money will either be a tool or a god in your life. When it is a god, you will do almost anything to get more of it. Instead of it bringing contentment, it brings dissatisfaction and a desire for more and more of it. So, better is “the little” that the righteous have … wealth gained through Godly means, always trusting in His provision, whether large or small.
Moreover, Proverbs 16:16 says:
How much better to get wisdom that gold, to get insight rather than silver!
Gold and silver … two ways that wealth was measured in the past. Yet Solomon, the wise one, tells us that wisdom and insight are far better than physical wealth. Why? Gold and silver might be able to buy you “things” but wisdom and insight can provide you with knowledge on how to truly live life here on earth, irrespective of what you have or don’t have. Wisdom and insight help you to understand God and His will for you, giving you peace and contentment regardless of your circumstances, knowing that ultimately you will be with Him and live a life that nothing on earth can come close to.
So … acquire your wealth in Godly ways but never forget that Godly wisdom and insight are far better than any physical thing you could ever possess during your time here.