A Healthy Balance

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone, for they will sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Pro 23:4-5)

We have a saying, “Easy come; easy go.” But it is also true that “Hard come; easy go.” All our hard-won wealth can vanish in an instant, and how foolish we will look if we have devoted our lives to acquiring it. We have another phrase we use about “working our fingers to the bone.” But for many of us today it might better be updated to “working our hearts to a heart attack” or “working our marriages to divorce.” How much do we forfeit in life when we make money and career our idols? The Bible says, “Have the wisdom to show restraint.”

Money Can't Buy Security

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall. (Pr 18:11)

There is a big part of me that wants to amass the biggest nest egg I can. I long for security and I want to think that in my old age I can know that I will be well provided for. Without even realizing it I find myself putting my trust in money rather than the Lord. But this trust is poorly placed. No matter how big the nest egg, it cannot guarantee my security. I must not hold on too tightly because of fear. My faith is in the Lord. Even in the midst of some future catastrophe, I can trust him completely. He is sovereign and he loves me – what more security could you ask for?