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THE DANGER OF RICHES

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 25.

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THE DANGER OF RICHES.

By Jos. Clarke

In reading the Old-Testament account of the kings of Israel, we find, almost invariably, that great prosperity had a tendency to cause the fall and ruin of such as were the favorites of fortune, as the common expression is.
It was the prosperity of David which so intoxicated him that he had nearly brought ruin upon himself in the matter of Uriah; and his son Solomon, with all his wisdom, hardly saved his soul from ruin, and his kingdom from an usurper, in consequence of his heart being lifted up by wealth and honor.
God brought his hand to bear heavily upon the proud kings of Israel; but such as walked humbly with him, he blessed. Hezekiah was beloved of God, yet the pride of his heart led him astray, and his prosperity lifted him up, and brought him into trouble.
It is astonishing that man can be so exposed to vanity and pride. Yet in our own hearts we discern the elements of pride; and if we were greatly exalted by wealth or honor, we are little aware of the disastrous effects it might produce. We flatter ourselves that we could bear any amount of wealth, but God knows our weaknesses.
Let us be submissive to God's will, and serve him regardless of circumstances; serve him with sincerity, and never cast a longing eye to wealth. It would probably overthrow the majority of those who long for it. Though poor, let us be rich in faith.
Jos. Clarke.