Proverbs 23:4-5 says:

‘Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye, wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.’

I was recently reading the book of Proverbs, and when I came across the above verse, I got stuck reading it several times and reflecting on it deeply. Are we not cautioned in the same book of Proverbs to work hard for wealth, and that riches are not for the lazy? (Proverbs 12:11 and Proverbs 14:23) So, what does this mean? Diligent and habitual by human nature, engrossed in daily work, creating multiple sources of income, and learning understanding and knowledge in wealth creation to live a comfortable and luxurious life as envisioned. This is all good, and the Lord desires good for us; He wants us to be fruitful and prosper. We ought to understand that we are all part of His grand plan, and each individual has a role in this plan; it is not the same for everyone. Paul talks about the body of Christ, where each body part is fashioned to serve its purpose, meaning when one-part refuses to work, it affects the entire body. Likewise, no matter your area of calling, God wants you to manifest that call, aligning with His kingdom’s purpose for your life. Now, this means He will provide the resources for that call; once you embrace and align, provisions will be made for your assignment. This is where you consider the wealth wiring of your purpose and assignment, a term I recently learned about from an online discipleship course. We work hard, making plans and having sleepless nights to build wealth, but the scripture says this wealth flies away. The lesson here is that building wealth on our understanding is exhausting, brings excessive desire and thirst for greed, and even puffs us into pride, subsequently leading to blind spending and sowing on wrong soils as well. However, understanding God’s purpose for your calling and wealth-wiring means there is no struggle. This means you need to gain knowledge of where God has called you, and when He is in it, there is no struggle. You may not be wealthy based on your financial design, but you will never lack, and you will be comfortable just enough to do your assignment. That notwithstanding, you may be wealthy in other areas of life specifically for your assignment. It is not everyone who must be wealthy. Some are called to it because of their assignment, and there is no need to be covetous about that. Everyone has a role and responsibility; we just need to align to manifest who we are individually to serve our mandate on earth. The truth is we desire to make wealth our way, all because of fear of the unknown, disappointment, or to fill our ego. As much as ill motives can be motivating, they are unsustainable.

In conclusion, I believe all is embedded in aligning with God’s will and purpose for your life. Understand your vision and goals, regularly take a step back to realign your objectives, evaluate yourself, and ensure inner joy and satisfaction. Strive for balance in all areas of life. If you have mastered your work, start to gain knowledge in relationships, marriage, health, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth, and avoid exhaustion in pursuing wealth. These aspects are just as important as building wealth, for true riches and prosperity begin in the mind.