Proverbs 14:14
The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.
What satisfies you? Does money or success or relationships? Yes those things do have a measure of pleasure in them that does satisfy. Yes… God will bring those things to a man who is a good man… who is not angry and self centered. But real satisfaction comes from knowing God.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boast boast about this; that he understands and know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these I delight declares the Lord.
Yes riches will bring a measure of freedom that many struggle with. Wisdom is also a great gift from the Lord and makes life for all much easier. Strength and health are also something that we take for granted – until we no longer have it. But these things are all very temporary. It is knowing the Lord and understanding His ways that makes life worth living. SO… the Lord says be a good man and have blessings. But be a righteous man, founded in Christ – and be filled with Joy that is rooted in knowing the Lord and His ways. A bad economy or situations that are outside your control, or the sin of someone you love, cannot take this from you.