While the poor dream of having riches, the wealthy long for simplicity.

If there’s one thing you can count on (besides death and taxes), it’s the desire to “get rich quick.” Why do you think lottery fever shows no sign of cooling off? Millions of people buy lottery tickets for no other reason than to instantly acquire unimaginable riches.

What a hopeless illusion! Nevermind that you have a greater chance of getting struck by lighting while standing on your head in a bowl of corn flakes than winning the lottery. Quick riches never did anyone any good. They certainly never brought anyone happiness.

We’ve never been rich, so how do we know that? Simple. We’ve never heard anyone say, “I’m rich, and I’m finally happy.” Instead, we’ve heard stuff like, “Wealth is a burden,” or “I wish my life were a lot simpler.” The truth is, wealth can do a lot (both good and bad), but it inevitably complicates your life. There’s nothing wrong with wealth (and neither is there any dishonor in proverty). What matters is your contentment with what you have.

We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth for someone else to spend.

Psalm 39:6