What does is it really mean to be rich?
“If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability.”
-Henry Ford
In the world full of many intellects, it is however sad that richness is still by the lots defined as the amount of money a man has been able to accumulate. For many of us, the first word or image that pops to our head as soon as we hear the mention of the word “rich” is money. We have espoused the idea that rich people are the ones who write fat checks – the ones who are “swimming in money”.
On the contrary, this is not entirely true. While money may be one of the attributes of richness, it is by no means its only definition.
Allow me to bring to your attention that richness ≠ money
This short article, citing most of its references from the Bible, will reveal to us what it really means to be rich.
My number one definition of richness is wisdom. “Having wisdom is better than an inheritance; wisdom will protect you just like money. Knowledge with good sense will lead you to life” – Ecclesiastes 7:11-12.
Is there a richer man on earth than that in possession of wisdom and knowledge? And one who utilizes his wisdom well? Well, I don’t know about you but I am yet to find one. He who has wisdom has absolutely everything.
You ever wonder why the Bible emphasizes so much on knowledge and wisdom? The answer is simple; Wisdom is the number one key to unlocking many closed doors – including the one to richness.
“Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold. Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire.” – Proverbs 8:10-11
Believe me if I begin to search for and write every word that the bible says about wisdom and its superiority to richness and wealth, this article will no doubt be the longest you have ever read on this blog.
Another definition of richness is love. And I mean giving and displaying genuine love for free. That is, irrespective of colour, gender, tribe, or religion. And without any expectations, returns or records keeping.
“Trust in your wealth and you will be a failure, but God’s people will prosper like healthy plants” – Proverbs 11:28. And who are the Lord’s people? They are those who obey His commandments – those who portray and exude love.
Here are other synonyms of richness; good health is richness, generosity is richness, kindness is richness, your positive impacts in people’s lives (so far) is richness, and above all, God’s love (which you can also practise) is the greatest richness of all.
Take a moment to assess your life and discern if you are truly rich or just in possession of money. Ask yourself in the little years that you have spent on this earth, how many lives have you touched? And for good, that is. How many services have you rendered knowing it was strictly out of kindness and love – with no strings attached? Your answer to these questions will reveal to you just how rich you really are!
Being rich is not just a mere outward display of assets. It’s not the amount of houses you have built nor is it how expensive your ride is. Richness is by no argument an inward phenomenon.
The richest people can be the poorest… what nonsense right? No it isn’t. Your worth and value in life are judged mainly by your influence in other people’s lives, and not how many zeroes you have in your account balance. So my dear, you can have all the money in the whole world but if you don’t have wisdom, and sincere and genuine love, I’m not sorry to say this; you are still the poorest human being ever liveth.
“God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense. Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold. Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her.” – Proverbs 3:13-15
Have in mind that even if you possess every dime on this planet, without wisdom and application of knowledge, it can all vanish and disappear into thin air within seconds. So do yourself a huge favor, get wisdom, get knowledge, because “wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” – Proverbs 4:7
Acquire wisdom my friend, and watch yourself become the richest man on earth!
Read more A PURPOSEFUL LIFE
I hope you have been enriched by this short article. If so don’t forget to share with a friend. You never can tell just how rich you will make them just by sharing. Remember to drop your comments as well. Let me know what your definition(s) of richness is. I am always looking forward to reading from you as well.
And Happy Independence Day To Our Beloved Country, Nigeria! 🤠😄🎊
13 comments On ARE YOU RICH OR YOU SIMPLY HAVE MONEY?
Good job
Thank you Olusegun
😎😎
Hmm. Such a profound insight on that status called ‘rich’. Let’s us always have it in mind that wisdom and knowledge are great treasures we should never relent in pursuit of. Well done Enny!
Yes. “Wisdom is the principal thing”
Thank you Jibola!
Plus what Bible version did u get your citations from please? I like the articulation.
I used Good News Version.
This is inspiring! Keep it up😍😍
Thank you Isa🤗
Glad you found it inspiring 😊
Great job dear
Thank you Emmanuel
Wonderfully Scripted!!!
Thank you Abolade!