Money and Wisdom

“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12 NIV)

This past summer, I was talking with an alumnus of our ministry who had made some discoveries about money.  While in school, he dreamed of making lots of money in his career of choice, and that dream came true a few years later.  But along with the dream came a nightmare: a debt, combined with that of his wife, of well over $100,000! Unlike many of their peers, this couple recognized the bondage of debt and has worked hard to pay theirs down to the point they will be debt-free within the next year.

As the Teacher points out, money can provide some security, but the pursuit of it is a double-edged sword.  It can also lead you into a trap of debt from which you could be trying to extract yourself for decades. And, even more importantly, as is evidenced by so many wealthy celebrities, money cannot preserve the integrity or contentment of your life.  It is not, as is often believed, the panacea to a fulfilled existence.

Yet, like this couple, many will pursue wealth at great cost, whether it be through taking out enormous student loans, gambling, or falling for the latest “get rich quick” scheme, all with the same belief—money is the answer to life’s problems and difficulties and will provide all the security they need.  

But unlike most, this couple learned quickly the downside of pursuing money and debt.  As a result, they began pursuing wisdom and learned how to prioritize between needs and wants.  Rather than trusting in money for their security, they instead began trusting in the Lord.  Even as they began paying down their debt, they also began tithing and blessing others financially.  What they have found is generosity brings far more joy than spending money on themselves.  In other words, they have embraced the Lord’s wisdom that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Today, recognize that while money may provide you with some security in life, it cannot fulfill the oft-made promise of full security and contentment in life, and often leads us into bondage.  Rather, contentment and freedom can only come through pursuing the wisdom of knowing and trusting the Lord.  It is this pursuit that provides the ultimate security in life. 

© Jim Musser 2015