Proverbs 23:4 (GNB) “Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich.”
It is interesting to hear God’s word say, “Do not toil to acquire wealth”. The pursuit of wealth is born out of human wisdom, not divine wisdom. Our Lord Jesus said, “... Take care to keep yourselves free from the desire for property; for a man's life is not made up of the number of things which he has” (Luk 12:15; BBE). Other Bible versions puts it this way, “... your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be" (GNB); “... Life is not about having a lot of material possessions” (GW).
Is it wrong to have wealth in abundance? No! Wealth and money are very important things required to fulfil our God-given visions here on earth, but they are not supposed to be our pursuits. The fulfilment of God’s purpose and plans for our lives should be our pursuits. When we give ourselves wholly to what God has called us to BE and to DO, money and wealth are some of the rewards or wages we should get. Therefore, the motivations for the acquisition of wealth makes all the difference.
Written by: Pastor Andrew A Esemudje