Better

June 8

I Kings 1-2

Psalm 69:19-28

Proverbs 15:15-17

Acts 5:17-42

Better

“Better is a little with the fear of Yahweh than great treasure and turmoil with it.  Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox and hatred in it.” 

Proverbs 15:16-17 LSB

This passage emphasizes the value of a good relationship with God and healthy relationships with our loved ones over great wealth and material possessions.  Solomon is not saying that wealth and possessions are evil.  Money and possessions are morally neutral.  They can be used for good or bad.  Having great wealth does not mean that you cannot have a fear of the Lord and be in right relationship with Him.  Likewise,  being poor does not automatically mean you fear God.  Solomon was the wealthiest man on earth.  He knew what it was like to have anything His heart desired and he understood that money and things do not provide happiness.  In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reveals his thoughts on the vanity or meaninglessness of money, possessions, power, position, intelligence, pleasure, labor and even wisdom.  The only thing in this life that has lasting value and meaning is our relationship with God and the time and energy we invest in the lives of others.  Nothing else that we can pursue really matters. 

Solomon recognized that while money and possessions are not inherently bad, they can be a distraction from the things that really matter.  Money, possessions and the desire for more can easily become our focus leaving little time for prioritizing relationships.  The pursuit of money can bring turmoil and stress into our lives stealing the joy it is supposed to provide.  Solomon also understood firsthand the value of love.  He had numerous wives and concubines who led him astray to follow their gods instead of the one true God of his father, David. His writings make it clear that he understood that those relationships were lacking true love and intimacy.  The secret to joy, contentment, meaning and purpose in life has nothing to do with the amount of money you have in the bank, the kind of car you drive or how big your house is.   There is only one way to experience life to the full and that is to have a meaningful, intimate relationship with God.  If you have that, the other things in your life will fall into place.  Your relationships will be healthier and you will experience peace and contentment. Your financial position has nothing to do with that.  God may provide you with abundant material resources so that you can use those to further His kingdom or He may decide that it is best for you to have less material wealth to increase your faith.  When you are in close fellowship with Him, you will come to recognize that whatever your lot, He knows what is better and will provide what you need to fulfill His purpose for your life.  “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”  I Timothy 6:6 NIV