JULY 18, 2012
The Best Things In Life
Read: Proverbs
23:1-18
Do not overwork to be rich. —Proverbs
23:4
An old adage says, “The best things in life
are free.” There’s a lot of truth
in that. Some people, however, believe that the
best things in life are
expensive or perhaps elusive. Recently I saw a sign
that made me smile
and think. It said, “The best things in life are not
things.” What a great
way to say it! The value of family, friends, and faith
points us to the
realization that what matters most in life is all wrapped up
in people
and the Lord.
Solomon was well qualified to speak about
material things because he
“surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and
wisdom” (1 Kings 10:23).
His advice? “Do not overwork to be rich; because of
your own understanding,
cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For
riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward
heaven” (Prov. 23:4-5).
His recommended course of action was, “Apply your heart
to instruction, and
your ears to words of knowledge. . . . For surely there is
a hereafter, and your
hope will not be cut off” (vv.12,18).
The best things in life are the eternal riches
that come from God’s goodness
and grace in Jesus Christ. We do not hold them in
our hands, but in our
hearts.
The treasures of earth are not mine,
I hold not its silver and gold;
But a treasure far greater is mine;
I have riches of value untold. —Hartzler
Our
greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
