Many people in Ho Chi Minh work long hours. Some do it to survive - those who operate a street side kiosk or a small family grocery store. Young professionals and others work long hours because they are caught up in the popular myth that money buys happiness. I spoke recently with a young Vietnamese/American lawyer and he assured me that his hours were close to the equivalent long hours of an American lawyer. Chasing after wealth is a common human chase found in almost all cultures and countries. In this city of 8 - 10 million, many also have a long commute time.
The book of Proverbs provides perfectly balanced wisdom for work and the pursuit of wealth. Here are several examples that don't need any comment.
"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone ---."23:4
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." 24:33, 34
"--- give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say 'who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonour the name of my God." 30:8, 9
Keep striving for the right balance in your work life and in your attitude toward money. This is an almost constant pursuit, for if we find the right balance it is usually not long before we swing out of balance again. If you regularly read the Bible, you will find much helpful wisdom on work and money beyond the three passages I've shared with you today.
The book of Proverbs provides perfectly balanced wisdom for work and the pursuit of wealth. Here are several examples that don't need any comment.
"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone ---."23:4
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." 24:33, 34
"--- give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say 'who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonour the name of my God." 30:8, 9
Keep striving for the right balance in your work life and in your attitude toward money. This is an almost constant pursuit, for if we find the right balance it is usually not long before we swing out of balance again. If you regularly read the Bible, you will find much helpful wisdom on work and money beyond the three passages I've shared with you today.
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