THE WAY OF HAPPINESS - Contentment and Generosity

HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU HEARD HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS MEASURED IN TERMS OF ASSETS OR WEALTH?  Driven 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, 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) 

WORRY AND LOSS OF SLEEP BECAUSE WEALTHY HAD TO BE PROTECTED.  "Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, whether he eats little or much, but the plenty belongings to the rich one does not permit him to sleep." -ECCLESIASTES 5:12.

DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN THE PROMISED HAPPINSS FAILS TO ARRIVE.  In part, that letdown is because a caring for money cannot be satisfied.  "A lover 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 happpiness, such as  precious time 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 an eagle and fly off." - PROVERBS 23:4, 5. 

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

From the jw.org publications