MAY 14

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Memorise Ecclesiastes 5:18
“God answereth him in the joy of his heart”

How then is one to regard his riches in this life? Solomon here repeats the same thought that he did earlier in Ecclesiastes 3:13 – that is man should be content, and enjoy what he has, knowing that this is the gift of God. He will know also that even the ability to eat and enjoy the things that he has also comes from God. His focus and priority should never be on the riches that he accumulates, but rather on the God who has given him these gifts. This is his portion in life, and so with thanksgivings he enjoys what he has. He is neither covetous nor lazy, not wanting more nor wanting to work less. This is a picture of a wise and godly man. 

Thus with these verses he closes this segment, that man ought rather to worship God, and not earthly riches. God is always in control, and has the power to give and also the power to take away. Never assume that what you have is the result of your own talent or industry, but it is all the gift of God, and God’s portion for you in life.

Therefore enjoy and be thankful for all that you have. Eat, drink and rejoice in what God has given you. With such a perception, man will thus be able to look beyond the oppressions and evil that he experiences in life, for God will grant him joy that comes from within and not from without. He will ‘not much remember the days of his life’, in that he will not live in regret, always looking back at lost opportunities or fretting over the ‘misfortunes’ that he has faced. Instead he trusts in the sovereignty of God, and finds joy and comfort in Him. Therefore a proper perspective of riches and a proper perspective of God will give one a proper perspective in life, and the ability to have true joy that comes only from the Lord. Is this the perspective of riches that you have?

Thought: The right view of riches is one that has God in the picture.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for all the bountiful provisions that You have blessed me with in my life. May You help me to enjoy them with a heart of thanksgiving and contentment, knowing that it is my portion from You.