Proverbs 15:16 says: “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.”

Here is what it means. It is better to live simply faithfully, than to have a lot of money and constant trouble.

There were some couples in Georgia who were talking about when they were the most happy in life. Their children were all grown and no longer in the house. Each family was different, and each couple had their own unique ups and downs. What they discovered, however, was that they all had something in common. They were happiest when the kids were small and they didn’t have very much money!

Even though we give lip service to the idea that “money doesn’t buy you happiness,” we can sometimes live our lives as if we secretly think it does.

I’m no dreamer. I consider myself to be a very practical person. Even though I recognize that we shouldn’t make money the centre of our lives, I want you to have enough to buy groceries, replace your old sneakers, and afford your mortgage or rental payments. 

But I think the proverb reminds us that too much money often brings its own set of problems. It can also rival God in the priorities of your heart. That is why Jesus said you “cannot serve both God and money” in Matthew 6:24.

In contrast, simplicity of lifestyle keeps you focused on what matters most.

Sure, you probably want more financial cushion. Sure, you probably wish you could just buy this or that without having to worry about it so much.

But what if all of that was less connected to your happiness than you think it is?

Set godly priorities. Make a schedule which reflects those priorities. Work hard. Rest. Walk with Jesus.

Simplicity of lifestyle keeps you focused on what matters most.

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Notes:

–Podcast: “We don’t have it all together. We have it all, together.” This episode is a bit different. It’s a clip of my time with our youth at a worship service. I talk about the difference a comma makes. As Christians, we don’t have it all together; we have it all, together. I also discuss what Mr Potato Head can teach us about being the body of Christ (the church). Click here to listen or tune in to ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.