God, love, and a cheerful heart

"All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, then great treasure and trouble with it. Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred with it."

(Proverbs 15:15-17)

Most people would probably say it's better to have more than less - especially when it comes to money, wealth, and resources. We all need resources to survive, of course... but wealth brings its own challenges and temptations. I found an interesting group of verses in Proverbs 15 today that seem to shed light on this topic.

v.15 --> This tells us that despite the hard life of those in poverty, whence has a "cheerful heart," there's a "continual feast." A cheerful heart, huh? Attitude, perspective, a willingness to look on the bright side, and be filled with the joy of the LORD... that is what leads to satisfaction!

v.16 --> This tells us that if we love (and stand in awe of) the LORD, then it's okay to not have a lot. IN fact, having a lot tends to bring its own troubles. (Not sure what loving God AND having a lot brings!) God becomes our portion and our treasure, when our we don't have a wealth of resources.

v.17 --> This tells us it's better to eat vegetables IF you're surrounded by LOVE, than rich foods without love. Amen! The love you foster and share in your life and family is way more valuable than feasting on the finest of meats, wines, and desserts. In the life-long commitment scale, marrying for love seems to be better than marrying for money.

In the end, it comes down to these three things, if we want to live a happy and contented life: love God (and stand in awe of God!), love your spouse (and family), and have a cheerful heart. It may not be as sexy as fancy cars, fine dining, and rolex watches... but it's far more satisfying.