Some have called wealth an evil, but wealth is not evil in itself. It would be foolish, however, not to recognize that riches come with dangers. Perhaps the greatest test of character is not found in our lowest struggles but in our highest attainments. When we have arrived, who do we become? Once we have wealth, wealth may then smile and sneer, “Poor soul, he’s not able to handle me?”
Whoever trusts in riches will fall, but those who live rightly will thrive like a green branch.
—King Solomon, Wisdom Teacher
The word fall in our proverb is an analogy meant to portray coming to ruin. Few acquire riches without acquiring other things: compromised values or rationalized offenses. The hazards of wealth are such that avarice and vanity are dressed in finery and mistaken as a higher good.
Take the example of a man who, after he has acquired wealth (or fame or success) in the city, returns to his hometown and tells everyone of his greatness. He says that he has returned to see the folks, but he has really returned so the folks can see him. He walks with a swagger and speaks with a tone of arrogance. He is approaching the entrance of a dark valley—what William George Jordan called the dark valley of prosperity.
As the teacher of wisdom, Jesus, said, “Much is required of those who have much” (Luke 12:48). If called upon to bear the great responsibility of wealth, let us bear it bravely and in simplicity, not allowing it to clutch us and force all that is decent from our person.
Those under wealth’s grip will find their conscience dulled, but now and then wisdom will shine a ray of truth into their lives. If they see it, they will realize that somewhere along the way they have lost trust, hope, empathy, gentleness of nature, or other qualities they once held dear. “(The quality) dropped away like a locket from an unguarded chain, and they may never find it again” (William George Jordan, The Power of Purpose, 58). Perhaps it is too late, but they realize that wealth and prosperity are not life’s greatest possessions.
I am so grateful for having the opportunity to read John’s book. His beautiful writing hooked me from the start and touched my heart. His book celebrates prayer and offers countless insightful reflections on the topic. It merges psychological insight with a wealth of philosophical, historical, and spiritual reflections, giving readers a deep appreciation for this beautiful topic.
Bozena Zawisz
Author, Liberating Inner Eve
The flourishing, green branch represents well-being and prosperity. Those who seek to live rightly, honorably, and nobly, keeping money under the thumb of a higher purpose, are the truly wealthy. They live simply with faith in those who gird them, with love for those dear to them, and with a joy that fills them. Not surprisingly, they avoid the dark valley of wealth into which so many seem to stumble: They thrive like a green leaf.
Questions for thought:
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
- Has there been a time in your life when you noticed that material possessions just didn’t bring satisfaction?
- How does one “keep money under the thumb of a higher purpose”?
- What are some of the greater responsibilities of wealth?
This post is from the book, “The Path of Wisdom,” entry 59. With this inspirational and motivational self-help book, you will get more out of life… not in just one aspect of your life but in all areas. “The Path of Wisdom” consists of 100 entries of roughly 400 to 450 words per entry, great for easy reading, personal reflection, or group study. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share using the “share” buttons below.
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April 30, 2019
When you have to many possessions there is no satisfaction, but then when you give some awy then you can find the satisfaction you are looking for,
I don’t Know how you keep money under the thumb of a higher purpose. When you don’t have money there is nothing for you to worry about.
The greatest worry is what to do with your money after you pass away, there is always finding charities to give it too, plus giving some to your family.
April 30, 2019
I’ve never allowed material possessions to bring me joy or steal my joy. I’ve never experienced wealth, but I feel at any financial level in life you find yourself in, it is important to be a good steward of your money. Very interesting post.
May 1, 2019
To me, one of the greater responsibilities of wealth, or just having money is using it correctly. Children and teenagers need to be taught at an early age about money and how to handle it. In my opinion, this is the cause of many problems in today’s society. People do not know how to handle money. It should be mandatory curriculum in school, both elementary & high school.