The sleep of a working man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach (greed) of the rich [who hungers for even more] will not let him sleep. There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being kept and hoarded by their owner to his own misery. For when those riches are lost in bad investments and he becomes the father of a son, then there is nothing in his hand [for the support of the child]. As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return as he came; and he will take away nothing from all his labor that he can carry in his hand. [Job 1:21; 1 Tim 6:7] This also is a grievous evil—exactly as he was born, so he shall die. So what advantage has he who labors for the wind? [1 Tim 6:6] All of his life he also eats in darkness [cheerlessly, without sweetness and light], with great frustration, sickness, and anger. Behold, here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God gives him—for this is his [allotted] reward. [1 Tim 6:17] Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, He has also given the power and ability to enjoy them and to receive [this as] his [allotted] portion and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God [to him]. For he will not often consider the [troubled] days of his life, because God keeps him occupied and focused on the joy of his heart [and the tranquility of God indwells him].
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5 Days
Have you believed the lie that money will bring you satisfaction and happiness? Many people have, and so they spend their lives trying to increase their wealth. But what does Scripture say about our love of money? In this plan, Pete Briscoe dispels five myths concerning our beliefs about money and how God wants us to experience the true source of joy and happiness.
In Ecclesiastes, the author attempts to find meaning and purpose in life. As we read, we see anguish and regret over failed attempts at happiness through wealth, fame, and achievement. Ultimately, he realizes that the purpose of humanity is to know God and enjoy what God has given us. Only God can provide the fulfillment for which our hearts and souls long.
The Bible has a lot to say about contentment. While contentment often gets confused with complacency in our society, they are very different. This 5-day plan will help readers gain a biblical understanding and perspective on contentment, apply it to their lives, and prepare them to share this learning with others.
The Bible has a lot to say about saving. Most of us know that God wants us to save for the future, but His instruction actually goes much deeper. This 5-day plan will help readers gain a biblical understanding and perspective on saving, apply it to their lives, and prepare them to share this learning with others.
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