Creator’s Promise That True Wealth Comes from Him

"It is Grandfather’s blessing that makes one rich. He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22, First Nations Version).

Our Yakama people have a virtue called ataw pina shuukt. This virtue describes knowing who we are—knowing our family tree, our ancestors, and the gifts of love and life left to us as their descendants.

Among our people, wealth is never measured by how much stuff we have but is found in the gifts Creator gives us: the laughter of children, the strength of our families and ancestors, the gifts of earth, and the peace of a good heart. This proverb tells us that when blessings come from Creator, they bring real wealth without the heavy weight of sorrow that can be tied to stuff.

There are two kinds of wealth. One is gained by striving, grasping, and chasing after more. But like someone who gathers water in a leaky, cedar bark basket, no matter how much they collect, it always slips away. This kind of wealth often brings worry, jealousy, or even loneliness. The other kind of wealth comes as a gift from Creator—freely given, not earned. The gifts of our families, our lineage, knowing who we are as a people, and who Creator made us to be are the gifts that bring real happiness.

I think of our huckleberry bushes in late summer. No one commands them to bear fruit; they do it because that’s what Creator made them to do. The huckleberries nourish all—bird, bear, and human alike. So it is with Creator’s blessings: they are given to us freely, and when they come, no sadness clings to them—only gratitude and peace.

Our elders teach us that when Creator blesses us, the gift is meant to be shared. When our young men get their first kill when hunting, they don’t bring the meat home for themselves; rather, they have a feast with the community. Everything is given away—even the gun the hunter used, because it’s not about him. It’s about learning what it is to be a man—to provide for the people. In this way, the blessing of Creator strengthens the whole community.

This proverb teaches us to seek a blessing that lasts. Work is good, and effort has its place, but do not chase after stuff. Instead, look for Creator to provide. Creator’s wealth will always bring life, peace, and joy.

Be thankful for the blessings already in your hands—the breath you breathe, the family beside you, and your family lineage, the sacred foods, and earth beneath your feet. These are the riches of Creator, and with them comes no sadness.

Prayer

Tamánwiła, Giver of every good gift,
teach us to see wealth in the blessings you provide.
Help us not to chase after empty stuff,
but to be happy with the gifts of life,
family, lineage, our people, our sacred foods, love, and peace.