Read: Proverbs 8

“My benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary; the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus.”  (Proverbs 8:19, MSG)

A friend of mine used to quip, “They say that money isn’t everything—but I’d sure like to prove them wrong!”  Of course, most of us who live with an eternal perspective would agree with that money-isn’t-everything bromide, but my guess is most of us are secretly like my friend: We would sure like our shot at proving the theory wrong!

Solomon is simply refreshing us with truth we already embrace but periodically need reminded of to pull us back out of the gravitational lure of money and all the temporal stuff it provides.  Let’s not forget what the Bible says: The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. (I Timothy 1:6)  Likewise, Jesus himself warned us that we cannot love and serve both God and money at the same time. (Matthew 6:24)  Frankly, as much as we’d like to dispel Jesus’ platitude, it is impossible!

Rather than money, Solomon implores us to seek after wisdom.  It is far better, buys much more, lasts infinitely longer than anything money affords and provides the best return on investment you will ever see in this life.  Frankly, five minutes after your death, your money, power and fame will not even be worth the paper they were recorded on.  In fact, it could be that your misuse of money, possessions and fame will put your account in the deficit when you reach eternity.  Wisdom on the other hand, is an investment that will pay ever-increasing dividends throughout eternity.  And maybe, just maybe, it will lead you to the proper attainment and stewarding of money, possessions and fame in this life, too.

Think of what would happen if you and I would sink as much blood, sweat and tears into the pursuit of Biblical wisdom as we do money, possession and fame!  We would attain the kind of enduring wealth that earns the applause of heaven. By far, that is a great ROI!

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
~Jesus Christ, Luke 12:21

Winning At Life:

Read the parable of the rich fool and the commentary on money that follows in Luke 12:13-24.  Write out a one paragraph prayer in your journal that incorporates Jesus’ teaching.