Proverbs 21:17

He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

One of the things I want to encourage every Christian to do is to read the book of Proverbs every day.  We need the wisdom this book gives every day.  This particular verse makes us examine our work ethic and priorities.

Have you noticed how hard people work to get out of work?  They see work as a curse, but in reality, it is a blessing.  It is more than a necessary evil so that we may obtain more stuff.  It is an aspect of living that God has blessed us with so that we may serve Him and we may live complete lives.

Pleasure has its place in our lives, but pleasure should not be our primary pursuit.  There are things we all enjoy doing.  They offer us a way to unwind and rest.  The danger comes when that is all we do.  This wise saying encourages us to ensure our priorities are in check.

Notice this proverb warns us that pursuing pleasure is a sure way of making one poor.  Money is a resource.  It is a limited resource. We know there are certain things God wants us to do with money.  We are to tithe and give.  We are to care for our families and save up what we can.

Let me encourage you not to hate your job, but see it as a place of service.  God places us all where He wants us.  Embrace it.  Let me also challenge you to seek God’s help with priorities.  Don’t waste time and energy in total pursuit of pleasure.  Pleasure has its place because we do need time for rest, but don’t let it become your reason for living.