Scripture Reading: Proverbs 23:4-5

“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; then fly away as an eagle toward Heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)

Many kill themselves in their effort to be rich. They work longer hours and carry burdens that are too heavy to bear. Anxiety eats at their minds, and finally they collapse, leaving their fortunes behind to squabbling, greedy relatives, or a world that doesn’t even come to the grave to weep.

True joy and happiness are not secured with wealth but in Me alone. One thing is certain: all the riches you see today will belong to someone else tomorrow.

The things you see are temporal. The invisible things are eternal. Never lose sight of the true values. One soul is worth more than a beautiful cathedral. It is worth more than the whole world.

The next time you see a bird disappearing into the distant sky, remember, that is the way you too shall have to let go of all your possessions, some day they will “fly away.” You came into the world naked, and you shall leave it naked. Even Job knew this truth. All that you have is only loaned to you. Your true eternal riches are only the things which you have sent ahead to Heaven by giving it away during your lifetime.

All you give up, you shall see again and possess for eternity.

 “…Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

Gems of Wisdom by Gwen Shaw
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