The Deceitfulness of Riches
The second “word choker” mentioned by Jesus is “the deceitfulness of riches”. We are deceived when we begin to believe that riches are the solution to all of life’s problems. While money is a useful tool that has become somewhat indispensable in our Western culture, it is not the panacea to life’s difficulties. If it were, we could conclude that every wealthy person “has it all together” and is without problems. Ironically wealth can at times cause greater problems than modest gain could ever produce.
Solomon became the richest man of his time. He was the Warren Buffet or Bill Gates of his day. Yet he found that his great riches caused him even greater trouble.
Contentment
Solomon realized that people who love wealth can never find true satisfaction with what they have obtained. “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) Contrarily, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
Bad Company
Solomon also learned that money attracts unwanted company. “As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?” (Ecclesiastes 5:11) The Proverbs also teach that “the rich has many friends” and “wealth makes many friends”. (Proverbs 14:20, 19:4, italic added) Wealth has the power to attract people’s attention and even their friendship, but when the party is over, the people are gone. No amount of money can buy a true and loyal friend.
Stress and Sleep
Another problem Solomon discovered in his opulent lifestyle was that maintaining and managing his wealth caused great stress, even to the point of robbing him of a good night’s sleep. “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.” (Ecclesiastes 5:12) The psalmist also noted the vanity and exhaustion of living for money. “It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so [God] gives His beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2) Sound sleep is the one luxury many rich men cannot afford.
Runaway Riches
Solomon knew that his wealth could not secure him from the misfortunes of life. In modern times, Stock market crashes, natural disasters and unforeseen calamities have brought rich men low over night. “I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.” (Ecclesiastes 5:13, 14) (See also Proverbs 23:4-5) Our sense of security must be found in God who is unchanging, not in the accumulation of wealth. “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Can’t Take It with You
Solomon realized that his money would not be a currency accepted in heaven. In fact, everything we earn and gain on earth will be left behind when we die. “As he came from his mother's womb, naked shall he return, To go as he came; And he shall take nothing from his labor Which he may carry away in his hand.” (Ecclesiastes 5:15) For this reason, Jesus taught that we should focus on building up our heavenly inheritance where we will spend eternity.* "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19, 20)
The Expense of Riches
Solomon came to believe that if an entire life is spent accumulating wealth only to then die and leave it behind, it is really a great loss. Furthermore, if our years on earth are spent in isolation, sorrow, illness or anger because of our wealth, we not only lose our riches when we die, we also waste our life this side of eternity. “And this also is a severe evil-- Just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored for the wind? All his days he also eats in darkness, And he has much sorrow and sickness and anger.” (Ecclesiastes 5:16:17) A life that is lived with peace, joy and contentment is invaluable regardless of our net worth. “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble.” (Proverbs 15:16)
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that it’s not all about the bottom line. How much you earn will by no means guarantee a life of happiness or greatness. Avoid the deceitful voice of riches that say, “Have me and you have it all.” Instead, heed the voice of Solomon, one who had it all and found out that it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Or better yet, receive the advice of Jesus, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Has the deceitfulness of riches robbed you of the joy and peace God desires to grant you? If so, pray this prayer of surrender to God granting Him Lordship over your finances as well as trusting Him with your entire life and needs.
Lord God, I come before You acknowledging my own vulnerability to the deceitfulness of riches and wealth. Teach me to be content with the things I have without coveting what others possess or the life they live. I trust You with the care of my life and believe that you will supply for every need I have according to Your riches and glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
* This is not to suggest that we can “earn our way to heaven”. Salvation is a free gift from God to all those who place their trust in Jesus Christ and his death as payment for their sins. However, once we receive God’s gift of eternal life, we can gain a greater inheritance in heaven by our good deeds done unto God.
