“Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5).
Pursuing a life which is rich and powerful (instead of godly with contentment—see yesterday’s blog) is foolish. So, also is a workaholic’s life focused upon increasing his wealth. This person lacks a clear understanding to four critical truths about life, wealth, and death.
Truth # 1: Life does not consist in the abundance of the things you possess (Luke 12:15). The only worthy purpose for your life is to lay up treasures in heaven, not treasures upon this earth (Mat. 6:19-20). “He who dies with the most toys wins” is a LIE.
Truth # 2: Overworking yourself to become rich destroys your body and your soul. This is a quintessential example of a Lose/Lose proposition. You destroy your body so you do die younger. You die younger so you can enter bankrupt into eternity sooner. The rich farmer who did this was called a “Fool!” by God (Luke 12:20). It is just as foolish today as it was twenty centuries ago.
Truth # 3: Material wealth is not the currency of the realm beyond death. The rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linens and who fared sumptuously every day (Luke 16:19) in this life could not even purchase a single drop of water after he entered the realm beyond death (Luke 16:24-26). What is foolishly held in high esteem among men is an abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). Like counterfeit money, material wealth is not the legal currency of heaven.
Truth # 4: Death and judgment are certain (Heb. 9:27); wealth is not (Prov. 24:5).
The person who understands these four truths will cease to overwork to be rich.
