Money and wealth have a lot of God-like properties, which makes for an easy idol.  Thus, the Bible has a lot to say about this subject. Qohelet, the Teacher in Ecclesiastes, uses a literary device called a chiasm to highlight a central truth about the ideal situation regarding wealth.

God keeps us occupied with joy (see verse 20)

The chiasm follows an ascending stairstep to the key verse, then descends back down with parallel ideas.

Eccl. 5:8-12 observe that there is no satisfaction in the love of money. This greed manifests itself in economic injustice. If an individual’s wealth should increase, many other people lay claim to it. The owner’s sleep is disrupted with anxiety about guarding wealth.

Verses 13-17 note the increasing darkness associated with not enjoying wealth. One person is afraid to spend any money to his harm. Another goes broke in a foolish gamble. Neither can take anything out of this life.

Verses 18-19 tell us what is good, to receive what God provides with joy. Even the ability to enjoy it comes from God.

Verse 20 is the important observation that it’s a blessing to enjoy the moment God provides.

Eccl. 6:1-2 tell us what is evil, having wealth but not being able to enjoy it.

Verses 3-6 furthers the idea of darkness. A long, rich life without enjoyment is worse than a still birth.

Verses 7-9 return to lacking satisfaction. We work to eat, but the appetite returns immediately.

The teachings of Jesus and Paul sound a lot like Qohelet. Read Matthew 6:19-24 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10. The love of money is a root of evil. We cannot serve both God and money.

Taking It Home: Read 2 Cor. 8:9, which describes the poverty Jesus chose to make us rich. Ruminate on the grace of Jesus. Pray to the Father for your needs. See wealth as a means of fellowship with God and people.