Solomon laid out the yardsticks of success in ancient Jewish society: wealth, honor, possessions, a very large family, and a very long life (Ecclesiastes 6:2-3). Today, a large family and long life would be deemed by some as more of a burden and trouble than success. But wealth, possessions, and honor are definitely contemporary yardsticks of success.
Even as you strive hard to accumulate lots of money and material possessions and attain a high standing with people, Solomon warns of a serious “sickening tragedy” (Ecclesiastes 6:2) that could happen to you: Although wealthy, you struggled to enjoy your wealth. You have no enjoyment and little joy. You are dissatisfied and never satisfied with what you have. Contentment is elusive and illusive. Solomon says that God has not given you the ability to enjoy your wealth (Ecclesiastes 6:2 NIV). How can this be?
The wise writer reminds us that wealth, family, and long life do not automatically bring joy and contentment. You may have them, but you can’t enjoy them if God doesn’t give you the permission and ability to do so. Perhaps this is why some wealthy Christians are miserable, dissatisfied with what they have, and discontented with life.
Even as we ask God for material blessings, we need to pray that He will also graciously give us the ability and opportunity to enjoy them. Solomon concludes: “I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from Him?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25).
This means thanking God for everything (Ephesians 5:20), and in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Without gratitude, enjoyment of life is elusive and illusive (Job 1:21). But without God, enjoyment of life is impossible.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 21:1-24
More:
What warning and command did Paul give us concerning our money and material wealth? (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Next:
What material blessings has God given you? Are you enjoying them? Why or why not?
Kathy @ In Quiet Places on September 7, 2012 at 8:38 am
There have been lean times in my life and times of plenty (in comparison to the lean times) but the constant through it all is the joy God brings me!
tom felten on September 7, 2012 at 9:25 am
Amen, Kathy. And I’ve found that a vital part of experiencing that joy in Jesus is to maintain an attitude of gratitude—striving to thank God for His countless blessings from sunrise to sunset. The apostle Paul nailed it in Ephesians 5:20.