September 15
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ECCLESIASTES 5
8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. 9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields. 10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. – Ecclesiastes 5:8-12
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ECCLESIASTES 5 ON INJUSTICE & LOVERS OF MONEY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
In this world, we will experience oppression of the poor and injustice
Because corruption is rampant in our world system, there’ll be prejudices
The poor gets poorer each day while the rich gain more wealth and power
It is unspeakable and unbearable to witness what injustice does to the vulnerable.
What good is it if God’s people do not care about such injustice in our world today?
Do we truly have faith if we don’t even do something about alleviating their pain?
The Lord hates abuse and partiality, what can we do so we help those discriminated
Let us show love and compassion to the unjustly treated and marginalized.
Lovers of money are insatiable and are never satisfied with their possessions
When they get a chance, they will want more and never get satisfaction
These money lovers will never part with their riches and wealth
They are obsessed to have more money at the expense of their health.
Though the rich have enough food to eat and have all life’s comforts
The poor laborers who toil hard and eat little are still able to sleep good
These lovers of money clearly cannot serve the Lord because of their master
Their lives are meaningless because it is all about gathering earthly riches.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it impossible to serve God if one loves money as Matthew 6:24 says?
• Why is dissatisfaction prevalent in people who love money?