Comment: Today’s text draws our attention to the evil of greed and the joy of contentment; the danger of pride and covetousness, as well as the need to keep our integrity even in the face of material poverty.

The Bible shows that some people are poor in this world due to the devil’s influence, (Deuteronomy 15:11, Proverbs 22:2), while some cases of poverty are self-inflicted. For instance, the prodigal son (Luke 15:13-16), through his wastefulness, drove himself into poverty. He was a greedy and impatient youth who lacked fiscal prudence, characteristics common among young people in the world today, many of whom are possessed by a get-rich-quick spirit, which end in their ruin or untimely death. 

The boastful Kings Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar (Exodus 5:2; Daniel 3:15) and a presumptuous King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:2-4), lacked understanding that it was God Who placed them in the positions they occupied, and that it is to Jehovah God, all power is attributed.

We are also implored in today’s text to accept our limitations after we have satisfied our conscience, in the fear of God, that we have been diligent. The Holy Bible teaches us to appreciate the extent of the success God Almighty had helped us to achieve by His grace. St Paul stated, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content…” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8.