Wisdom may create wealth, but wealth rarely creates wisdom. Both wisdom and wealth can offer a measure of protection, but only wisdom can guide us in using money faithfully. Wealth can disappear through poor decisions, changing circumstances, or simply the passage of time. Godly wisdom, however, shapes our character, directs our choices, and helps us place money in its proper role. John Cortines, Director of Partnership and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and author of True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart, explored this theme while writing FaithFi’s study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money last year. Ecclesiastes can initially feel mysterious or even discouraging. Yet beneath its reflections on life’s brevity is a deeply hopeful message: achievement, pleasure, possessions, and wealth cannot bear the weight of our souls—but God can. A Tale of Three Inheritances Cortines illustrates the importance of wisdom with the true story of three siblings who each received a substantial inheritance at age 18—roughly $1 million in today’s dollars. The first sibling followed a path resembling the Prodigal Son. Poor decisions led to the inheritance being squandered, leaving that person in a difficult position both financially and personally. The second sibling managed the money somewhat better but continued spending more than they earned. Eventually, most of the inheritance disappeared, although the sibling was able to retain a home. The third sibling responded differently. After watching what happened to the older siblings, this young adult began meeting with mature, godly leaders in the community. The heir asked questions, sought counsel, and hired a Christian financial advisor. Rather than assuming that money alone would provide security, this person recognized the need for wisdom. Over time, the third sibling completed a college degree, learned to invest thoughtfully, practiced generosity, and developed a healthier relationship with money. Three siblings received essentially the same financial opportunity. Yet they experienced radically different outcomes. The difference was not the amount they inherited. It was the wisdom with which they handled it. Wealth and Wisdom Can Both Provide Shelter Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 acknowledges that both wisdom and money can provide protection. Wealth can meet practical needs, create opportunities, and offer a financial buffer during difficult seasons. Scripture does not teach that wealth is inherently evil. Money is a resource God may entrust to us for provision, enjoyment, generosity, and service. But Ecclesiastes also identifies an important distinction: wisdom preserves those who possess it. Money can provide temporary shelter, but it cannot tell us what is worth pursuing. It cannot form our character, govern our desires, or teach us how to live faithfully. Without wisdom, wealth may amplify our existing weaknesses rather than resolve them. That is why wisdom must come before wealth. When Wealth Grows Faster Than Wisdom For many people, wealth grows gradually through earnings, saving, investing, and compound growth. In other cases, it arrives suddenly through an inheritance, business sale, insurance settlement, or unexpected opportunity. Either way, the principle remains the same: as wealth grows, wisdom must grow even faster. When financial resources outpace spiritual and emotional maturity, money can become dangerous. It may encourage self-reliance, intensify unhealthy desires, or create the illusion that we no longer need counsel. Sudden wealth can make this imbalance especially visible. Someone may receive significant financial responsibility before developing the discernment needed to manage it. The third sibling recognized this danger. Rather than pretending to have all the answers, the young heir sought mature believers and professional guidance. That humility became an expression of wisdom. When wealth increases, our first response should not simply be, “What can I buy?†or even, “Where should I invest?†We should also ask: How can I grow in wisdom? Whose counsel should I seek? What responsibilities come with these resources? How can this money be used in a way that honors God? Wisdom Is More Than Financial Knowledge We often think of wisdom as a collection of sound practices: create a budget, avoid unnecessary debt, save consistently, diversify investments, and give generously. Those practices matter, but biblical wisdom is much deeper than a financial checklist. Wisdom is both a perspective and a person. In 1 Corinthians 1:24, Paul describes Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God.†Ultimately, wisdom begins not with mastering financial principles but with knowing Jesus. We grow in wisdom as we pray, study God’s Word, seek counsel, and learn to view money through the truth of Scripture. Christ reshapes our desires, exposes our misplaced trust, and teaches us to use money as a tool rather than treating it as our treasure. Financial wisdom is not merely about making better transactions. It is part of becoming more like Christ. Pass Wisdom Before Passing Wealth The principle of wisdom over wealth also has important implications for parents and grandparents preparing to transfer assets to the next generation. A financial inheritance can be a blessing, but wealth without preparation may become a burden. The goal should not simply be to transfer money successfully. It should be to prepare faithful stewards. That process should begin long before an estate is distributed. Families can talk openly about money, generosity, faith, responsibility, and legacy while children are still young. Parents can explain not only what financial decisions they are making but also why they are making them. Children can be given age-appropriate opportunities to earn, save, spend, and give. As they mature, families can have deeper conversations about wealth, contentment, investing, and the purposes God may have for the resources He provides. The least effective approach is to prepare legal documents, remain silent about money, and hope the next generation knows what to do after the inheritance arrives. Passing wisdom requires intentionality, relationships, and time. Ecclesiastes Reminds Us That Life Is Brief Although Wisdom Over Wealth focuses on money, one of the strongest themes in Ecclesiastes is the brevity of life. Ecclesiastes repeatedly confronts us with the reality of death—not to make us hopeless, but to awaken us to the gift of today. Our time is limited. Our possessions will eventually belong to someone else. Our accomplishments cannot provide lasting meaning. Yet each day gives us another opportunity to enjoy God, serve others, practice generosity, and glorify the One who gave us life. Recognizing life’s brevity changes the way we approach money. We no longer need to squeeze ultimate meaning from temporary possessions. We can receive God’s provision with gratitude, enjoy it within its proper limits, and hold it with open hands. Money becomes a servant rather than a master—a tool we can use during the brief number of days God has entrusted to us. Make Every Day Count The message of Ecclesiastes is not that life is meaningless. It is that life apart from God cannot provide the meaning we seek. Our work, wealth, possessions, and pleasures are limited. They were never designed to satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart. But when received as gifts from God and used for His purposes, they can become part of a life marked by gratitude, faithfulness, and joy. Wisdom over wealth does not mean rejecting money. It means refusing to ask money to do what only God can do. Christ is our wisdom. He is our security. He is our ultimate treasure. Our lives are brief gifts, and every financial decision presents an opportunity to become more faithful stewards. As we seek God, learn from His Word, and invite wise counsel, we can manage money with greater clarity and purpose. Wealth may offer temporary shelter. But wisdom teaches us how to live—and points us to the One who gives life its lasting meaning. Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money is available for individuals, small groups, and churches at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m selling my house and expect to use $100,000 to $120,000 of the proceeds to open a coin shop specializing in gold, silver, and numismatics. I may also need a $30,000 to $35,000 business loan. I’ve started researching the local market and developing a business plan, and I’ll continue working full time while the shop gets established. How should I fund the business, and does a brick-and-mortar coin shop still make sense as more sales move online? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. 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