Ronald Read kept to himself and his family. He ate breakfast at the hospital cafeteria every morning. Had an English muffin with peanut butter. Robert passed away a couple years ago at the age of 92. At his death he had a net worth of $8,000,000. The Vermont janitor and gas station attendant demonstrated, you can reach the seven-figure mark on a modest salary. Yep, the WW II vet came home and loved his wife, tended to his home and went to work. He had no time or interest in arguing politics, being boastful or running things. In this chapter Solomon reminds us that the wise person minds their business and they love an honest life, earning an honest living. That’s how God has designed for us to live and earn our living. He does not intend for us to plan how to get wealthy especially by things like playing the lottery or creating other get rich quick schemes. This verse is not about getting rich. It is about living a life rich with abundant food, shelter, friends and love. I’ve know some wealthy people who would trade it all for that life. Mr. Read figured out how to do both, but interestingly he never lived on the wealth he had accumulated. He drove an old beater and used safety pins to hold his jacket shut. In his will he left the bulk of his wealth to his local hospital. We have all heard the stories of simple men and women who lived quiet, diligent, hard working lives only to be discovered to have accumulated millions over their life time. We don’t necessarily hear about the many, many more who live the same kind of fulfilled life and die with only a modest amount left behind. Both live lives that are described by this chapter. Today, work obediently at your calling and God will provide for your needs. #BeTheEdge
“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV
