This is a gift of God
Ecclesiastes 5:19 - Wealth should not be condemned as “something bad” — it is something that God has provided, and it is most certainly not earned just through our efforts.
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“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV
This single verse from Ecclesiastes can be summed up in one word: Gratitude.
My devotionals on Heaven On Wheels, which rely on a God-inspired random pick from the Bible, frequently look at the other wisdom literature. I’ve explored many Proverbs, touched once or twice on the Book of Job, and occasionally I’m pointed to Ecclesiastes. This book is somewhat strange; the author is unknown (he calls himself Kohelet and refers to himself as the “Son of David, King of Jerusalem”, yet scholars say that it was written much later than King Solomon’s (the son of David who built the temple in Jerusalem) reign.
It is somewhat unorthodox, referring to most of life as having no meaning, and extolling the virtues of enjoying the things of life — food, drink, enjoyment of one’s own work — as they are gifts from God. One Bible commentator even referred to Ecclesiastes as being “subversive.” Wikipedia’s entry on this book said:
Scholars disagree about the themes of Ecclesiastes: whether it is positive and life-affirming, or deeply pessimistic; whether it is coherent or incoherent, insightful or confused, orthodox or heterodox; whether the ultimate message of the book is to copy Kohelet, "the wise man," or to avoid his errors.
So with that context out of the way, what exactly is Kohelet saying in this verse? I liked the subtitle of the commentary on Precept Austin regarding the verse: “Blessed to Receive; Empowered to Rejoice.”
We know from the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” He does not say that money is a problem; it’s becoming obsessed with acquiring and hoarding it that is evil. Contrary to the popular opinion of many on this planet, wealth is not an evil thing. It’s what we choose to do with that wealth that determines if we are properly using this “gift of God”.
In his book “Business for the glory of God : the Bible’s teaching on the moral goodness of business”, theologian and Biblical scholar Wayne Grudem writes:
“In fact, money is fundamentally good because it is a human invention that sets us apart from the animal kingdom and enables us to subdue the earth by producing from the earth goods and services that bring benefit to others. Money enables all of mankind to be productive and enjoy the fruits of that productivity thousands of times more extensively than we could if no human being had money, and we just had to barter with each other."
Wealth should not be condemned as “something bad” — it is something that God has provided, and it is most certainly not earned just through our efforts. There’s something else that God gives when He blesses us with abundance — “the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil”. In other words, God wants those who have accumulated His gift to enjoy it without guilt or worry, and without becoming workaholics. Having the ability to enjoy wealth and be content is also a gift from God. He is giving His people the control and freedom to enjoy His gifts!
If we are good stewards of what God has gifted us with, we can use wealth to glorify Him. When we give to the Lord’s work or those in need, we’re demonstrating our dominion over things in this world as God commanded us in Genesis 1:28. Our giving freely to others also emulates the mercy and love of God. Through wealth, Christians can expand Gospel ministries throughout the world to bring others to salvation in Christ.
The author of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament and the apostle Paul in the New Testament are in agreement that those who live and think with an eternal perspective have a joy and contentment that can never be matched by those who are just limiting themselves to a life “under the sun”. The difference is if we live our lives with gratitude to God for whatever He has provided us with, whether we live in lives of wealth or poverty.
We’ll close today with this observation from Precept Austin:
Some people have much, but enjoy nothing—because they lack peace, contentment, or gratitude. Others have little, but rejoice deeply. Why? Because God gave them the greater gift: the freedom to receive and enjoy. As Paul affirmed it is "God, Who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (1Ti 6:17-19) Have I thanked God not just for what I have, but for the ability to enjoy it?
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I come before You today with a heart filled with gratitude. Thank You for the wealth and possessions You have blessed me with. I know that everything I have is a gift from You, and I am grateful for the ability to enjoy these things. May I always remember that my ability to enjoy life and work is a gift from You as well. Remind me always to keep my heart focused on gratitude, and help me to share my blessings with others. AMEN.