The Mistake of Wealth Without Joy | Ecclesiastes 6:1-2

Have you ever finally gotten what you wanted—only to realize it didn’t bring the joy you expected? Maybe it was the promotion, the dream house, or even the financial security you worked so hard for. But instead of fulfillment, you felt… empty.

Welcome to The Daily. We go through the bible verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, every single day.

Our text today is Ecclesiastes 6:1-2.

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil. — Ecclesiastes 6:1-2

The Joy You Miss
There’s a tragedy in life that we rarely talk about—not the failure to succeed, but the failure to enjoy success. Solomon calls it "a grievous evil." A man gains wealth, possessions, and honor. He checks every box. He has everything he ever wanted—except the ability to enjoy it.

Instead, a stranger enjoys what he worked for. Maybe it’s a family member who inherits it, an investor who profits from his labor, or a random person who ends up with his estate. The hard truth? What he spent years striving for was never really his to enjoy.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about the countless men chasing more—more success, more influence, more security—only to find that joy never arrives. They climb the ladder, but when they reach the top, they discover an emptiness they didn’t expect.

Why? Because joy is a gift from God, not a result of our achievements.

Solomon’s warning is clear: Wealth without gratitude is a curse. Success without God is slavery. When we make life about accumulation instead of appreciation, we lose the very thing we were chasing—joy.

How Do We Avoid This Trap?
First, recognize that everything you have is a gift. Your success, your resources, even your breath—all from God. Instead of gripping tightly, hold them loosely and give thanks.

Second, find joy today, not “someday.” If you’re waiting for the next promotion, the next big purchase, or the next season of life to be happy, you’ll never get there. Joy is available now—in Christ.

Third, let God be your satisfaction, not your possessions. Wealth fades. Achievements get forgotten. But God is eternal. When He is your source of joy, you don’t have to chase it elsewhere.

#TrueJoy, #BiblicalWisdom, #Ecclesiastes

ASK THIS:
Have you ever achieved something you longed for but felt empty afterward? Why?
What is one thing you have today that you’ve taken for granted?
How does gratitude change the way you view success?
Where are you seeking joy outside of God?
DO THIS:
Pause today and thank God for what you already have. Shift your focus from achieving to appreciating.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, help me to find joy in You, not in my achievements. Teach me to appreciate Your blessings today instead of always chasing more. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
Where The Glory Is.