Ecclesiastes 2:13 I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. 15 Both will die. So I said to myself, “Since I will end up the same as the fool, what’s the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!” 16 For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten. 17 So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
2 Corinthians 6:10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
King Solomon dedicated himself to use the God-given wisdom he had to learn true meaning and get the best out of life.
He had riches, palaces, great endeavours, sexual partners galore, exotic food and drink.
Sadly, after starting so well, his heart was enticed away by too much of everything. He became cynical and life became futile when lived without God as the focal point.
He faced the brick wall of death without hope.
Compare that with a life lived for Jesus, as written of by the apostle Paul.
He wasn't rich or safe or well respected. He endured persecution and beatings. He owned nothing but had everything.
Through his letters we have much of the New Testament and, down through the ages, he is still, by the Holy Spirit, imparting spiritual riches to the believers like you and me!
In the midst of all the hardships we are called to endure, we too can have that deep well of joy springing up in our hearts, because of our relationship with Jesus.
That's where true riches lie - riches that drive away fear of death and provide sure Hope of eternal life.
Don't bemoan your lack of wealth, take stock of your spiritual riches:
Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
My mum didn't die a millionaire, but her spiritual wisdom and gentle daily walk with Jesus still inspires me today. What a treasure trove she left me!
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