KEYS TO A HAPPY LIFE-FIND CONTENTMENT

1.FIND CONTENTMENT

"Money is a protection," observed a wise student of human nature.  But he also wrote:  "A lover of silver will never be satisfied with silver, nor  a lover of wealth with income.  This too is futility." (Ecclesiastes 5:10; 7:12)  His point" While we may need money to survive, we should avoid greed, for it is insatiable!  The writer, King Solomon of ancient Israel, actually experimented  to see whether wealth and luxurious living fostered true happiness.  "I did not deny myself anything that I desired," he wrote. "I did not withhold from my heart any sort of pleasure." -Ecclesiastes 1:12; 2:10. 

Having amassed great wealth, Solomon built grand houses, made beautiful parks and pools, and acquired many servants.  Whatever he wanted, he got. What did he learn?  His experiment made him somewhat happy, but not for long.  "I saw that everything was futile, he observed.  "There was nothing of real value." He even came to hate life! (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17, 18) Yes, Solomon learned that a life of self-indulgence  ultimately leaves one feeling empty and unfulfilled." 

Do modern studies agree with that ancient wisdom?  And article published in the Journal of Happiness Studies observed that "after one's basic needs  are satisfied, additional income does little to advance one's subjective well-being."  Indeed, findings show that increased material consumption, especially at the cost of moral and spiritual values, can erode happiness. 

Next time:  KEYS TO A HAPPY LIFE-AVOID ENVY

From the Awake! magazine, 2014