I read recently that many wealthy Middle Eastern Sheiks and rulers have purchased homes in the most expensive London neighbourhoods. They may spend little time in these houses but still can afford and insist on the best. The article mentions houses valued at 18, 55 and 65 million dollars each. How much wealth is required to spend that much on your second or third home?
The wealthiest man of his era, the Carlos Slim Helu (Mexico) or Bill Gates of his era, wrote our Bible book of Ecclesiastes. As I read the opening chapters yesterday and today, I was again amazed at how "up to date" and relevant are his observations.
On wealth and the insatiable human need for more, in the early chapters he observes:
"The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing."1:8
"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." 5:10
The author moves in this book from cynical observations to sharing of great wisdom; from his refrain of "meaningless, meaningless" to wonderful words of advice pointing us to God and life with Him.
It is fascinating to hear him recount how he devoted himself to education, to agriculture, to large projects, to all of the pleasure he could find in a harem, in music, in wealth (I denied myself nothing my eyes desired) and yet in the end found them all meaningless.
He provides a stark, very relevant reminder, that only God and eternal values will bring lasting meaning and satisfaction. May you seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness as you live out this week.
The wealthiest man of his era, the Carlos Slim Helu (Mexico) or Bill Gates of his era, wrote our Bible book of Ecclesiastes. As I read the opening chapters yesterday and today, I was again amazed at how "up to date" and relevant are his observations.
On wealth and the insatiable human need for more, in the early chapters he observes:
"The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing."1:8
"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." 5:10
The author moves in this book from cynical observations to sharing of great wisdom; from his refrain of "meaningless, meaningless" to wonderful words of advice pointing us to God and life with Him.
It is fascinating to hear him recount how he devoted himself to education, to agriculture, to large projects, to all of the pleasure he could find in a harem, in music, in wealth (I denied myself nothing my eyes desired) and yet in the end found them all meaningless.
He provides a stark, very relevant reminder, that only God and eternal values will bring lasting meaning and satisfaction. May you seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness as you live out this week.
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