Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Proverbs 23:4
Having great wealth is the desire of most people. The world sees wealth as having a lot of things with a lot of money and no worries or cares. Looking at those who are extremely wealthy makes it look like they have a life of ease and comfort, causing many to work extra hard to gain that same type of riches. Working extra long hours is common for those seeking to gain great wealth.
Solomon, the wealthiest man ever in history, stated that one should not overwork to be rich, but to stop.
Having great wealth appears to be a good thing, but it is something that is very deceptive. While a person may have great wealth and is able to purchase nearly everything and anything desired, it also comes with great problems. Fear of someone stealing things, the crash of the economy destroying savings and investments, maintenance of all the things acquired, and much more.
People are willing to work 80-100 hour weeks just to have a little more money to be able to get and do extra things. The joy of that money is very short. While a person is working so much, one cannot enjoy the money, time with family or friends, nor just life in general. Everything is about making more money, there is never enough.
Believers can easily get caught up in this same mindset as that of the world. Instead of overworking to be rich, believers need to work to do God’s will in their lives. They need to work hard to be more like Jesus in every area of their lives, be a witness to everyone they can and disciple others in how to live for God. This is to be done with self, family, friends and anyone else one comes in contact with. These bring about eternal riches.
You most likely have some type of job that you work. Ask yourself what you are working that job for. Do not work extra hard just to gain greater wealth. As good as that extra large paycheck may be, it is only temporary and will be gone quickly. The things purchased will fade and fall apart quickly.
Focus your life on doing God’s will, be a witness and make disciples of Jesus. Create a wealth of joy, peace and love that will last for all eternity.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will guide you in how much to work; that you will work to do God’s will in your life; that God will provide for what you need in His way and time; and that God provide times for you to stop working and rest.
Picture by Alexander Mils on Unsplash
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