The deceitful lure of riches - Part 1

In this devotion I would like to share some of the reasons why the pursuit of riches are deceitful. We will briefly look at the following ideas: seeking riches  robs one of rest, it won't satisfy, it adds fake friends, it doesn't provide peace in relationships, it won't protect from death.

First lets look at how the pursuit of riches can rob one of rest. In the scripture below we see the way three different people approach work. Two take extreme opposite positions and one has a balanced approach. The first person (v.5) is lazy doesn't want to do any work. As a result he brings ruin / poverty upon himself. The second (v.6)  has a healthy balance between work and rest. And the third (v.6) is not content with having his needs met. His greedy desire for riches drive him to be a workaholic. His pursuit of riches rob him of rest. (note: the concept of sin driving you and not letting you rest can be applied to other areas. Ask God to reveal to you if any sin is driving you and depriving you of rest)

Ecclesiastes 4:5

⁵ The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. ⁶ One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.

In addition to being robbed of rest during the day, we find that those who actually obtain riches, but have neglected a relationship with God, can be robbed of sleep at night. 

Ecclesiastes 5:12

¹² The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.

Also we find the those with greedy desires never reach a state of happy contentment. Even if they have an abundance it just isn't enough. They are dissatisfied and always want more. Sadly these people can be driven by trying to keep up with, or even outdo, the wealth that others have obtained. People that are driven by rivalry with their fellow man can never be content with their current possessions. As a result they will never obtain the happiness that they think wealth will bring. 

Ecclesiastes 5:10

¹⁰ He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income.

Since I want these devotions to be short I will break this topic into more than one part. Look for part 2 soon. God bless

Scripture quotations taken from the "NASB" (www.lockman.org)