"Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of
the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the
grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in
his pursuits." (James 1:9-11)
No matter how long a person may live or how rich he may be, money cannot bring him happiness.
In his book For Better or For Worse, Walter Maier included this story: "A rich man had
committed suicide. In his pockets were found two items: $30,000 in cash and a letter. The letter
read in part: 'I have discovered during my life that piles of money do not bring happiness. I am
taking my life because I can no longer stand the solitude and boredom. When I was an ordinary
workman in New York, I was happy. Now that I possess millions, I am infinitely sad and prefer
death.'" (From Bible Illustrator)
In concluding the parable of the rich fool, Jesus said, "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:20-21)