by Carel Chan
With the existence of the World Wide Web, we now can seek to increase our knowledge from “googling”, anytime, anywhere, as long as there is an internet connection. So if you attempt to google, “who is the wisest person on earth?”, what do you think would be the result of this question? (Try googling!)
You will see a list of individuals being identified as the wisest man in history, all are wise in their own sphere of authority. In the list, King Solomon is often credited a lot. King Solomon is not only believed to be one of the wisest men on earth, he is also known to be one of the richest men ever lived. According to record, his peak net worth in today’s dollars, is $2 trillion (lovemoney.com). I believe a man with such great accomplishments in wealth and profound wisdom is more than credible in teaching us to live happy. This blog, “The Love for Money” is part one of a series to “Live Happy with King Solomon”.
Around 935 BC, late in his life, Solomon authored the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. And I pray that these wise words from Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon and inspired by God can help you see the light in living happy.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
Don’t get it wrong that Solomon is saying that having money is a bad thing. Ask the man who lost his possessions due to a failed business or unfortunate series of out-of-job events and is now barely able to meet end needs. Or ask the ailing man who needs to pay for an exorbitant medical treatment. Having money is likely able to help someone tide through an unfortunate season of life. Solomon’s wisdom is nothing short of practical living and is nothing close to some lofty philosophies. He understands that money can bring great comfort to those who really need it. For those living in trying times, God is saying, He is sovereign over your situations. And it is in such impoverished moments that God is hoping that you will be prompted to go to Him. God is training you, strengthening your faith in Him and developing your Christ-like character, so that you can live a happier life moving forward. (And if you happen to be in such a season of your life, we want to pray for you and your situation, connect with us and send us a message.)
Ecclesiastes 7: 13 affirms His sovereignty, “Think about what God has done. How can anyone straighten out what God has made crooked? When things are going well for you, be glad, and when trouble comes, just remember: God sends both happiness and trouble; you never know what is going to happen next.”
So how is it meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness, since money and wealth can indeed alleviate much of the pain and sorrow that come with distressing events in life?
Coming across The O’Jays, “For the Love of Money”, I find this classic song entertaining and yet detailing much realism regarding “Money”.
The lyrics of the song goes like this:
“Money, money, money, money, money…
some people got to have it, some people really need it…
For the love of money, people will steal from their mother…
For the love of money, people will lie, Lord, they will cheat…
For the love of money, people don’t care who they hurt or beat…”
Indeed, when it comes to money, some people need it but some people got to have it. And it is this love for money that Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:10 was describing, “those who love money will never have enough”. Those who are obsessively seeking after money thinking that money is going to bring true happiness, is obviously drifting down the wrong path.
When our passion is money and nothing else, we will want more than what we already have. Therefore, no matter how much you earn, trying to create happiness by compulsively accumulating wealth, you find that you will never be satisfied. Therefore, “stop chasing the wind”, a prominent metaphor used by Solomon when writing the Book of Ecclesiastes. Just as the wind comes and goes quickly, and it is impossible to follow the wind’s direction, so is fanatically trying to pursue happiness by seeking wealth, for this is going to be futile.
Ecclesiastes 6:9, “It is useless; it is like chasing the wind. It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.”
Rather than desiring what you don’t have, enjoy what you already have. Be contented with the existing fruit of your labour. It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else. Be grateful and give thanks to God for what you already have and enjoy the existing portion, a gift He has already set at your table.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
May the Lord bless you with a happy life as you choose to delight yourself in His Word.
Visit our “Live Happy” Sermon Series for more inspirational messages on living a happy life with our happy God.