“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.”
According to Big Think, this is what being rich looked like in Solomon’s day: “In the 10th century BCE, being rich meant controlling land, livestock, and laborers. Elites displayed wealth through imported luxury goods, such as intricate bronze vessels, purple-dyed textiles, and silk. They lived in spacious, fortified homes, often with private olive presses and wine cellars, supported by servants and armed retainers.” That’s not an altogether different definition from some of today’s views of wealth—except, perhaps, for the olive press. In this particular chapter, Solomon isn’t making the point that it is wrong to have these things. His point is that chasing them can be foolish compared to the things God calls us to prioritize. This is written to those who wear themselves out focusing on getting rich. It can be easy to do, especially with the struggles of paying bills these days. Accumulating wealth can quickly consume a great deal of time and effort. Again, Solomon is not opposed to people doing smart business, investing, or negotiating. It is the singular focus on wealth—at the expense of other, often more important things—that God calls us to guard against. Take your heart’s desires—whether finances or anything else—before Him, and let Him realign your priorities to honor Him. Today, focus first on God, and trust Him with all these other things. #BeTheEdge
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
