A materialistic life is shallow and unfulfilling. Thus, we must ask ourself “How much is enough?”
The Accumulation Trap
One version of emptiness is self-focus that chases wealth.
Hence, the answer to “How much is enough?” is “It’s never enough no matter the amount.” Interestingly, that’s the precept shared in Proverbs 27.20 “… the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
Now, focus is good when pursuing our God-given purpose in life. However, excessive focus is a problem when it produces an empty soul, that is, when we starve our deepest, inner self.
This is emptiness – being alone paired with a misguided life focus. Ecclesiastes 4.7-8 paraphrase. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Wealthy But Empty
Ecclesiastes 4.7-8 warns about undue focus. It describes a wealthy but empty life. More specifically, Ecclesiastes 4.8 says an empty soul lacks family or friend.
Unfortunately, an empty life is marked by:
1). Endless work “… no end of all his labor …”
2). A lack of gratitude “… neither is his eye satisfied with riches …”
3). Emptiness and dissatisfaction from a lack of companionship.
Unsurprisingly, true wealth is measured by what lasts – friendships, not by what is temporal.
The Tough Question
Laboring for wealth accumulation isn’t satisfying. Instead, we face accountability, Luke 12.20, “… you fool tonight your soul will be required of you …” Then, from that same verse, we’re asked – Who gets all your stuff?
But, how do we get to this place in life? We never ask the question in Ecclesiastes 4.8 “Who am I working for by bereaving my soul of good?” Similarly, Psalm 39.6 says we heap up riches, not knowing who ultimately benefits.
That is, we never clarify our objective, as in “What’s my goal or purpose for this effort?” Instead, we live an empty life – alone. That aloneness is paired with a misplaced focus on the temporal, to the exclusion of the eternal.
As a result, we experience emptiness instead of good. That trap is expressed in Ecclesiastes 2.23, 2.26, and 4.8 where all three note the emptiness of a misspent life.
I develop self-confidence when my choices regarding where to focus are based on sound personal values. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
One way out of this emptiness trap is to clarify our objective, which is supported by our values. As a result, we recenter ourself.
Our excessive focus on the material causes us to ignore close friendships. Why? Because we’re too busy chasing other stuff to waste time with friends.
Regular times of reflection help us recenter, thus course correct. The other option? We can hit a wall in the form of a life crisis! Then, who do we turn to for help?
A Question to Consider
What recurring practices let you maintain life alignment regarding purpose, values, and focus?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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