SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIATES 5
MEMORY VERSES;
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few., As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3)
“It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:5)
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
“Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.” (Ecclesiastes 5:13
“This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain. since he toils for the wind? All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.” (Ecclesiastes 56:16-17)
“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him – for this is his lot.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18)
“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19)
STAND IN AWE OF GOD (vs. 1-7)
Guard your mouth against praying hypocritically or making rash promises to God. It is better not to make a vow than to make a vow but not fulfill it. Be honest with God and do not let your mouth lead you into sin.
RICHES ARE MEANINGLESS (vs. 8-20)
Generally, everyone loves money and is never satisfied with what he has. But money cannot buy sweet sleep. In fact, the benefit of having money is to feast his eyes on them. And the hoarded money will bring harm to the owner. All his days, he will experience great frustrations, affliction and anger.
The best way to find satisfaction to your toilsome labor is to eat and drink the fruits from the money that you earned. Enjoy your wealth and possession, be happy and contented.
THOUGHTS:
Solomon warned about making promises to God without fully fulfilling it. It is better not to make a vow to God than to make a vow and break it. If you make a vow, keep it.
Those who seek after money will never find the happiness it promises. Wealth can attract thieves and cause fear and sleeplessness. And it must ultimately be left behind upon death. Therefore, view your possessions as a gift from God. Focus on the giver than the gift. Be contended of what you have and rejoice that you have everything you need.