"They Fly Away As An Eagle"

Larry R. Ping II

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     A man from New Chicago, Indiana, after concluding his ATM transaction was surprised to find his bank account balance standing at $8,200,000. A bank error in allocating a stimulus payment rendered him a millionaire. Of course, the mistake was quickly corrected. The man was quoted as saying “You go from being a millionaire one second then back to being broke again.” This story brought to mind Prov. 23:5, “Wilt thou set thing eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” The Bible has much to say about riches. Consider these.

 

     1) Riches Have No Spiritual Redemptive Value. “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him” (Psa. 49:6-7). “We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Eph. 1:7). No amount of money will ever have the ability to purchase removal of sin or a home in Heaven. This is why Solomon wrote “Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death” (Prov. 11:4).

 

     2) Riches Are Not A Source Of Trust. The Psalmist penned of a “man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in wickedness” (Psa. 52:7). “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him” (Psa. 2:12). Many put their faith and confidence in money. However, Paul instructed “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (I Tim. 6:17). Heed the warning “He that trusteth in riches shall fall” (Prov. 11:28).

 

     3) Riches Are Not As Nearly Important As A Good Name. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Prov. 22:1). The most important name we carry is that of Christian (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; I Pet. 4:16). This name suggests we are followers or disciples of Christ. We carry His name carefully, understanding others need to see “Christ liveth in me” (Gal. 2:20). Do not drag the Lord’s name through the mud!

 

     4) Riches Bring Not Satisfaction. So many look for happiness and joy in money, but it cannot be found there. The preacher said, “there is one…neither is his eye satisfied with riches” (Eccl. 4:8). Some seem to think an over-flowing bank account will bring gratification, but in truth riches corrupt (James 5:2) and cause most to err “from the faith” and pierce themselves “with many sorrows” (I Tim. 6:10). “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (I Pet. 3:10-11). God, His Word and obedience to them brings true joy (Acts 8:39).