THE WAY OF HAPPINESS -Contentment and Generosity

HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU HEARD HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS MEASURED IN TERMS OF ASSETS OR WEALTH?  Driving by that view,  millions work long, exhausting hours to make more money.  But do money and possessions bring lasting happiness?  What does the evidence suggest? 

According to the Journal of Happiness Studies, once our basic needs are met more income does little to improve our overall happiness or our sense of well-being.  Money itself is not the issue.  It's "the striving for [money] that's linked to unhappiness,"  states an article in the magazine Monitor on Psychology.  Those words mirror this advice given in the Bible almost two thousand years ago:  "The love of money is the root of all evil, and by reaching out for this love some have . . . stabbed themselves all over with many pains."  (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) What may those  pains have include?

WORRY AND LOSS OF SLEEP BECAUSE WEALTHY HAS TO BE PROTECTED.

"Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, whether he eats little or much, but the plenty belonging to the rich  one does not permit him to sleep." -Ecclesiastes 5:12.

DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN THE PROMISED HAPPINESS FAILS TO ARRIVE.

 In part, that letdown is because a craving for money cannot be satisfied.  "A love of silver will never be satisfied with silver, nor a love of wealth with income."  (Ecclesiastes 5:10)  Also, a hunger for wealth may move a person  to sacrifice important things that do promote happiness, such as precious time spent with family and friends or in spiritual pursuits.

GRIEF AND FRUSTRATION WHEN MONEY OR INVESTMENTS DEPRECIATE OR FAIL.

"Do not wear yourself out to gain wealth.  Stop and show understanding.  When you cast your eyes on it, it is not there, for it will surely sprout wings like and eagle and fly off." - Proverbs 23:4, 5. 

Next time: THE WAY OF HAPPINESS  - QUALITIES THAT PROMOTE HAPPINESS

From the jw.org publications