Everything is Meaningless 2

As I continued on in my reading of Ecclesiastes I read Solomon is talking about Money.  I think for a moment that Solomon was richer than any man who ever walked the face of the earth and was richer than any  man who WILL ever walk the face of the earth.  Think about that for a second.  Donald Trump, Dupont, the Fords, Steve Job, all the sheikhs in the world were not and will not ever be richer than Solomon was.  So he knew a little about what he was talking about when it came to money.

Chapter five starts out with a warning that we should not run at the mouth when praying to our God but we should use a small amount of words. His last word about this is that we should "stand in awe of God."  Afterall, He is God!  Then he jumps over to talk about money.

For me money is a necessary evil.  I would rather work for something I wanted or trade for it than have alot of money for stuff.  Since I have to have it to function, I want enough I can put in the plate on Sunday and give extra when I want or feel led.  I want to not have to rub pennies together for groceries and wonder where I will get clothes for my one daughter.  God provides for us and I have faith that He always will as long as I remain faithful to Him but it would be nice not to have to think about it so much.  That being said, verse 10 says "Whoever loves money never has enough money; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.  This too is meaningless."  Again it brings to mind that I have always heard people say "You can never have enough money." Also, "money won't make you happy". These are all things that Solomon said.  Our focus should not be on money but on God and the love Jesus Christ has for us.  I saw a church sign once that said, "God feeds the birds of the field but He doesn't put the food in their nests."  That is just so appropriate. He will not bless a fast win like lottery.  Solomon goes on to say "The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much" (point being that he ate).

"Naked we come into this world and naked we will leave.  Man takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." Ecc 5:15  Sound familiar?  Solomon also says that he realizes it is important for man to be happy in his work and that he should be satisfied with whatever tasks he does every day.  So how do you balance love of God and making money?  The wisest man in the world finishes the chapter saying in verse 19, "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God.  He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."

How cool a reward that is!  Have an awesome day!