March 22, 2024
Money

Reading

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 - He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

Summary

The Bible passage from Ecclesiastes warns about the dangers of loving money too much. It states that those who love money will never be satisfied, no matter how much they acquire. It is pointless to accumulate wealth just for the sake of having it. The passage also notes that as goods increase, so do the people consuming them - meaning more wealth often leads to more expenses and bigger appetites. Finally, it contrasts the sleep of a humble laborer versus a rich person, stating that those with modest means can sleep peacefully with little, while the full stomachs of the rich prevent them from proper rest. In summary, this passage cautions against greed, materialism, and finding life's meaning in one's possessions. True satisfaction and contentment do not stem from an overabundance of wealth. Chasing money as an end in itself leads to spiritual emptiness. The simple joys of life, and peaceful sleep, are often lost to those excessively focused on gaining riches.

Reflection

This Bible passage offers an important reminder about keeping worldly wealth in proper perspective. It's easy to get caught up in chasing more money and possessions, falsely believing this will lead to happiness and fulfillment. But as these verses make clear, material things fail to truly satisfy the human heart. As Christians, we must guard against greed and consumerism, which have become like false idols in modern culture. Loving money too much can squeeze God out of first place in our hearts. And when we accumulate wealth just for the sake of having it – not to meet legitimate needs or to be generous toward others – we become owned by our possessions rather than owning them. Rather than seeking meaning and identity in what we own, we should find our primary contentment in relationship with God. He alone can meet our deepest needs for love, purpose and belonging. Living simply and generously, free from material excess, allows us to experience the peace and rest described in this passage. May we not forfeit that rest by chasing after more and more wealth! No matter our financial circumstances, we can choose to be rich toward God first (Luke 12:21). This involves stewarding money wisely, resisting greed, and using resources to bless others. As we maintain proper perspective and balance regarding possessions, we'll avoid the hollow pursuit of wealth for its own sake.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we praise You for being the true source of life, joy and meaning. Forgive us for the times we have chased after money and possessions, falsely believing they could satisfy us. Guard our hearts against greed and help us maintain proper perspective regarding earthly wealth. Teach us to find our contentment in You alone. Give us wisdom to steward money in ways that honor You – meeting needs, living generously, supporting Your work. May we lay up eternal treasures in heaven as we resist materialism and rightly prioritize our relationship with You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Generated Image(s)

The weary laborer sleeps under heaven's splendor, While riches rob the wealthy of night's sweet surrender.


The weary laborer sleeps under heaven's splendor,
While riches rob the wealthy of night's sweet surrender.

This image was generated by AI from the devotion text.