Proverbs 23:4 – “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.”
When our ears hear the alarm chimes that announce the start of another day, we need to say a ‘thank you’ to God before we open our eyes. Instead, most often, we resort to grabbing our mobiles/newspapers to check messages, posts, blogs, news items, etc. by our family, friends, colleagues, or others. What is important? Who is important in your life?
We need money, the current medium to get our needs and wants met, for our day to day lives. We toil from morn till night to get our jobs done satisfactorily for our boss. We save money. We buy investments or invest in gold, real estate etc. as a means to build the currency medium in our life. We need to grow our currency medium to meet the needs and wants in our life. What is important? Who is important in our life?
Our boss keeps piling on work and we are under constant pressure to have them appreciate our work. Meanwhile our family is sacrificed toward this goal. Family time is a thing of the past. With the endangered family time, has dwindled the family prayer time. What is important? Who is important in our life?
The scripture says:
– “do not toil to acquire wealth” instead, “whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men”.
– “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Our priority should be to seek salvation than to seek the things of the world. If we prioritize our lives around God’s business—seek salvation, be obedient, and share the good news with others—then God promises to take care of our business. If God takes care of anything, it only means success, prosperity and excellence. Once we hand something to God, we ought to follow His lead to continue it. We must trust and wait on His timing and will for our needs and wants.
“…be discerning enough to desist” is having enough self control to stop. Stop collecting wealth and treasures on the earth. Stop adding to our wants. Stop looking at the next gleaming or alluring goal that keeps us toiling to achieve it.
Jesus taught us to focus away from this world (ego, status and lying allurements). Stick to the path to God’s kingdom and all else will follow.
Think about this: Where do you spend your first energy of the day? On what activity do you spend the most time in your day?
