Success, Wealth and Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

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 9:13 I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me:

14 There was once a small city with only a few people in it.

And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge

siegeworks against it.

15 Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.

16 So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.

 

17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

 

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Success and Wealth and Wisdom

How Important is Success?

In today's world we seem to put more value on beauty, status, success and wealth rather than wisdom. But, when you look at the reality, wealth and success are almost worthless without wisdom.

Winning the Lottery

I once heard a story about a man who won five million dollars in the state lottery. With more money than he ever dreamed of, you would think he could live a life of comfort and happiness for the rest of his days, wouldn't you?

To the contrary:

In only five years from the time he won the windfall, this man was broke, in debt, his family was suing him because of money he promised them and he landed in jail. As amazing as this story seems, it's true!

Success Follows Wisdom

The point is that most people who are truly successful with wealth (with the exception of inherited money) have plenty of wisdom to go along with it. Their wisdom, persistence and knowledge, in most cases, is how they became wealthy in the first place.

A Word to the Wise (Pun)

First, success is not always money. Having money is nice but it will not last - we can't take it with us. Keep an eye out for wise words. When you hear them, listen. And remember, God is the all-wise, the all-knowing and He is willing to speak words of wisdom to you and to me in His Holy Word - The Bible. Listen, Listen.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Ecclesiastes 8:15 - How to Enjoy Life