Wealth is a Magnet for Friends - Ecclesiastes 5-6

 Ecclesiastes 5:11 (ESV)

When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?

Perhaps before we write to much about the above statement by Solomon we should also read this proverb he wrote:

Proverbs 14:20 (ESV)

The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,

but the rich has many friends.

We also have to remember that you can’t read and understand any verse in Ecclesiastes until you first read Solomon’s conclusion about the entire book:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV)

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

With these verses in mind read again what Solomon says about having our “goods increase.”  As our goods increase, so too those who want to consume them.   A rich man has many friends.  But, if he lacks the riches he portrays then others leave him.   This is both an observation of Solomon and perhaps his experience.  Remember, at the time of this writing, Solomon was the richest man on the earth.   He knew what he was writing about.    When people see you with money (or they THINK you have money), they want to be with you.  Jesus was not rich on this earth.  He owned nothing that we know of.   Yet, Jesus created the heavens and the earth.    It is not our earthly possessions that make us rich.   The world looks at prosperity and power as commodities that grant them privileges and entitlements in this world.  Yet, those around them come to them for ONLY that reason.   Jesus drew people to Himself because of His righteousness and holiness.   If we want to attack others to us it ought to be based upon our character not our bank accounts.    Those who are righteous in this world are often hated.    Yet, righteousness lays up treasures in heaven.    If we are going to strive for something in this life we can strive for wealth and accumulated transient friends.  Or, we can accumulated righteousness through Christ and accumulated riches in heaven.