Ecclesiastes // Chasing Meaningનમૂનો

Ecclesiastes 5:10

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Solomon had more money than he knew what to do with. He had an annual income of 666 talents of gold—a conservative estimate of $300 million in today’s economy. Solomon “excelled all the kings of the earth in riches” (2 Chron. 9:22). He “made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone” (2 Chron. 9:27). And yet, the wealthiest man in the world could not satisfy his soul with money.

So, I am going to be honest. I know that money cannot satisfy my soul. I have preached on it. And…there are times I think that just a little more money would sure be nice. Not at the Gates, Bezos, or Buffett level, but just a little more. Even when I know that money doesn’t satisfy, there is something deep inside that says maybe a little more just might do the trick. Anyone resonate with that confession? The problem is that I am sure my answer to the question, “How much would be enough?” would always be, well, just a little more.

This issue around money has dogged people in general and believers in particular since the beginning of time. Paul told Timothy, “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

God owns it all, and everything we have is a gift from him. Satisfaction comes when we are content with what God gives and steward his gifts in a way that honors him.

Father, thank you for your great gifts and faithful provisions. Help me deal with the desire for more money and more things. Forgive me for anything I have done that has led me into a snare. Help me honor you with your money. In Jesus’ name. Amen.