Verse of the Day - Ecclesiastes 5:11

As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner, except to feast his eyes on them?
~ Ecclesiastes 5:11 (NIV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For some reason, I couldn't seem to understand what today's verse was saying, really. So I looked it up in a couple of different translations/paraphrases:

The more loot you get, the more looters show up. And what fun is that—to be robbed in broad daylight? (The Msg)

The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers! (NLT)

Ah, these brought it into focus for me!

Many, many people strive for wealth, and sometimes they get it. Professional ball players, movie stars, recording artists. Big money makers have worked hard and are paid handsomely. But at what price? How do they know who their real friends are, and who are just the schmoozing vultures looking for a piece of the pie? Surely they must be plagued with doubts and suspicions toward those who gather around them.

Solomon was the richest man in his day (and perhaps ever), and he had a lot to say in his writings about the cost of the pursuit of wealth (do a keyword search on "rich" in Proverbs). He spoke from experience about what the attainment of money can do to people's hearts.

So today, regardless of which side of the balancing scales you are on, seek the Lord regarding your attitude toward money. Examine how you treat people who have money versus those who don't. And guard yourself against greed, which causes all sorts of trouble.

When we seek after God's spiritual riches, such as mercy and love, forgiveness and longsuffering, we don't have to worry about the ill effects they will have on us and our relationships.

Love,
Joelene