Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

Ecclesiastes 5:13-17 ^ESV

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, ¹⁴ and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. ¹⁵ As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. ¹⁶ This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? ¹⁷ Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.

 

It never ceases to astound me how I can read a verse and think, “I know to whom this verse applies!”  Ouch!  I then realize the Holy Spirit says to me, “Thou art the man!”  Double Ouch!

 

Riches are meant to be used for the glory of God.  When they are not so used it is a ‘grievous evil’.  It is also to the owner’s hurt.  Ultimately the sinner loses those riches.  Matt 25:14-30 is a good example of this principle.  The master was angry at the servant who did nothing; his ‘riches’ were his downfall, it would have been better for him had he never received anything in the first place.  Luke 16:1-13 is another example of the principle that we must use God’s riches for His glory.  We are to make friends with money so that some will welcome us in our eternal homes.  The best use of money is that use which brings the most people to Christ in this life.

 

Don’t get caught with a bank full of gold; use that gold to glorify God and you will never cease to have riches enough forever (Matt 6:19-24).

 

Thank You Father for riches.

Thank You Son that those riches are more than physical.

Thank You Spirit that You give us grace to use those riches for Your glory.

 

Using God’s riches for His glory with you,

Pastor Greg