Wealth is not an issue with God. He often blessed his servants with money and possessions. Check out Abraham (Gen. 13:2) and Jacob (Gen. 30:43). Solomon “excelled all the kings of the earth in riches…” (1 Kings 10:23). We learned in a previous devotional that God is the owner of all things, so everything we have is a gift from him. We should honor and worship him with what he has given us. And we should enjoy this great gift of God. That’s what Solomon says in today’s passage.

Ecclesiastes 5:19
Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.

A wealthy believer never has to downplay God’s blessings. Wealth should be viewed as a reward for honest hard work. A believer should “accept his lot.” Don’t apologize for God’s gift. We should enjoy the vocation he has called us to do and the rewards we achieve for doing it. Solomon says that a believer should “rejoice in his toil.” What a blessing it is to enjoy your work by honoring God and enjoying the rewards he gives you! 

And maybe there is something else Solomon is getting at in this passage. 

Often in this life, God gives us hints of what is coming. For instance, the sacrificial system in the Old Testament was a hint of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. So, could the reminder to enjoy the rewards of our work be a hint of something to come? Let’s think through that. 

The Bible often addresses heavenly rewards (Matt. 5:12; Luke 6:23, 35; 1 Cor. 3:14; 9:18). These rewards are not based on works to become a Christian. All human works are futile in that regard. We are saved only by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). But our works as Christians will be rewarded. One commentary explains it this way:

God will give rewards in heaven at the bema, or the judgment seat of Christ, based on our faithfulness in service to Him (2 Corinthians 5:10). The rewards will show the reality of our sonship (Galatians 4:7) and the justice of God (Hebrews 6:10). God will give rewards in heaven in order to fulfill the law of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7-9) and make good on His promise that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).¹

So, when we enjoy the rewards of our work on earth, remember, the rewards we get today are just a hint of the eternal rewards we will enjoy forever—all because of Jesus. 

Father, thank you for your great blessings. You have blessed us tremendously. Help us enjoy your gifts to us in a way that honors you. And remind us that your gifts today are a hint of your great rewards tomorrow. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

¹ https://www.gotquestions.org/rewards-in-heaven.html