Some people think that life plays favorites. They assume that the world (or God) has reserved seats for them in “the nose bleed section” and given others the preferred positions. They think life has spread thorns before them and given others a path covered with rose petals. Such people tend to possess an austere attitude that places limits on the resources and gifts available to them from this world (or God).
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold. What I yield surpasses choice silver.
—Solomon, Wisdom Teacher
Certain less-than-attractive qualities accompany someone with this scarcity mind-set. These people take the credit or the profit for themselves; they are unable to share. They are also incapable of being happy for someone who does well; it means they have lost out. These austere people may even become envious and resentful, and seek to obtain material prosperity by improper means; they think it is owed to them.
We don’t have to view the world as a place of haves and have-nots; we can have a prosperity mind-set. Wealth and prosperity are often understood as material, but wisdom offers a spiritual wealth, or to put it differently—a full life.
In Hebrew wisdom literature, the word wealth does not always mean affluence or extravagance, but may simply mean plenty. You see, wisdom is concerned that those who heed her ways* flourish with all that makes for health and security, for good life and peace of mind, which has more to do with plenty than excess. It may be hard to fathom, but plenty actually surpasses fine gold and choice silver. Anyone who possesses wisdom has plenty and is able to see the world as a place of plenty.
Certain attractive qualities accompany someone with this attitude of plenty. These people freely and readily give and help others on their journey; they have no need to greedily cling to praise or possessions. And when others succeed, they are genuinely happy; they know there’s plenty to go around. These abundance people posses wisdom and her enduring prosperity; they have no need to obtain by questionable means.
Some people take a scarcity view of reality, but you can choose a positive perspective—a prosperity mind-set. You’ll have a greater appreciation and satisfaction in life, and experience it as wealth and well-being to the fullest degree. Accordingly, you’ll be more likely to create the life you desire.
PLEASE SHARE
