I once won a bet of a lobster dinner that there was a verse in the Bible that said, “Money is the answer to everything.” It just seems so out of place, more like the title of a self-help book for the would-be-rich. My friend took me up on the bet . . . and later treated me to a lobster dinner!
The verse is in Ecclesiastes (of course) and I must confess I was just as surprised as my lobster cooking friend when I first came across it.
But isn’t the Bible the book that says, “Money is the root of all evil”?
No. Look again. The full quote is the love of money is the root of all evil.**
Money itself is just a fact of life, something necessary for living, and almost always the solution when a lack of it is the problem.
Here’s the text:
A feast is made for laughter,
and wine makes life merry,
but money is the answer for everything.*
Everything has a use. The purpose of a feast is to lighten the heart. The purpose of wine, similar. But the purpose of money is to buy the food, buy the wine, rent the space, provide the cutlery, the plates, the service, the glasses, the candles, the music, the decorations, pay the staff, tip the help, send invitations, dress for the occasion, and all the other details for which if there is no money, nothing happens.
Money is almost always the solution when the problem is its lack.
You knew this all along; you just didn’t know it was in the Bible.
It was in early adulthood I formed a simple philosophy about money and its preoccupation. I said:
“I hate to worry about money;
and the best way not to worry about money . . .
is to have enough!”
Of course, “enough” can be a sliding scale and be ever elusive, but that’s a problem of a different nature.
Enough is what you need; and when you don’t have it you do something about it. That’s where wisdom comes in, and work, and a combination of many things all starting with a decision.
But with enough, you need not always strive, and need not ever worry.
It’s the one who has too little money who is perennially preoccupied with it. Having enough is an answer for that too.
And an occasional lobster dinner.
____________________
* Ecclesiastes 10:19
** 1 Timothy 6:10
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:31 am
It’s like, “Money buys happiness.” Well, maybe, but happiness is transitory and fleeting. As soon as you embrace it (or it, you), it’s gone. Joy is different. It’s deep-seated in hope, which comes apart from one’s self, and is lasting, whether my monetary needs are immediately met, or not. So, which would I rather have? Of course, joy. And with a bit of money thrown in, too, of course!
1:08 pm
I think I recall some commentary: “What? Lobster again?”
I hope you got a big piece.
1:56 pm
Gloria, Yes, many years ago, in Dallas outskirts, you offered this visiting lobster requester a tiny tail, which, as I recall, we shared around. It was small, but for the moment, and the memory, enough. I’m still grateful.
3:46 pm
Interesting text as I have been pondering I Timothy 6:5-6 this week. V5….. supposing that gain is godliness:…..V6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. This is a transforming truth.
5:04 pm
I love lobster! And it’s never big enough! Thanks, Hyatt. You are one who has seen God provide enough and then some. I will blog this (I know you won’t mind.) Lately when some money (extra) rolls in, a new need arises, and out it rolls. It’s almost as if Someone knows what’s going on…
Enough, already!
7:10 pm
Hmm…. good thought for this week as the dog ($500), my car ($400), truck transmission ($??), dentist ($1,000). Glad He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He will be selling some of them for me any day now!
5:39 pm
“I hate to worry about money; and the best way not to worry about money . . . is to have enough!”
This is word-for-word my philosophy. Unfortunately I was in mid-life when I formulated it, having been subjected for decades to a pagan, unbiblical worldview about money.
7:34 pm
Jack, As I think of it now, my first knowing of your name was many years ago when I designer for a publication out of California and this highly energized and articulate article came in for submission from a missionary in Brazil entitled, “God and the Almighty Dollar.” The topic was a little scary, but it’s relevance was undeniable. That must have been when you were forming your philosophy, and doing it out loud. We ran the article.
8:05 pm
Very articulate, very wise–as usual. Thank you for taking the tangles out of a messy topic.
8:24 pm
This afternoon I read the title of your blog to Scott, then showed him the picture of the lobster and not a millisecond passed before he burst into laughter! It was a fun night, and the company was delightful! And yes, the lobster was big with plenty to go around.
I love this scripture because it neutralizes money… it’s neither good or bad, just a vehicle. And God is really the means that provides the money or the crops or the block of tea of whatever else we trade with in our society. He’s the door, the way, the truth, the light and thank Goodness, our Savior!
My mouth is now watering!
8:33 pm
Yes, we should do it again . . . if I could think of anything to bet you on.
8:28 pm
If there is no money nothing happens (no wedding for you) and that’s the truth!
8:33 pm
Well spoken by the wedding planner.