To be rich or to be wealthy? Is there a difference?

Probing Proverbs 14:24 Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness. 

 
It was reported that eleven millionaires went down on the Titanic. Major A. H. Peuchen left $300,000.00 in money, jewelry, and securities in a box in his cabin. "The money seemed a mockery at that time," he later said. "I picked up three oranges instead." [1] 
 
     "Wealth" and "Riches" can be very different things, especially in the Scriptures! Wealth can include currency but carries a more complete picture. Having money, yet not having contentment, purpose, or peace in life, reminds me of Abraham Lincoln's statement, "Financial success is purely metallic. The man who gains it has four metallic attributes: gold in his palm, silver on his tongue, brass in his face, and iron in his heart!"
 
     Even in the example on the Titanic, Mr. Peuchen demonstrated that part of his wealth was wisdom! You can't eat money and survive!
     
     Our Proverb points out that "fools" can only produce foolishness! Scripture defines a fool as one that refuses to view God as God. When "having more stuff" becomes a person's priority, the "stuff" has become their God. 
 
     Think about that – we collect the "things" thinking they will serve us, but what usually happens is those things become our Master! 

No doubt, riches can make us more comfortable, but only physically. If we have sought God's concept of wealth, we will use those things, hold them loosely and not put our faith and trust in them. How many have become emotionally and mentally unwell because their stuff has taken possession of their heart? Constant worry about losing their stuff, hungering for more stuff, judging others and themselves by how much stuff they have. There will be no peace, no purpose, and never finding contentment in a life that has only riches.  

     God intends wealth, no matter what economic level we are at. His peace that brings calm in the midst of life's storms, His purpose that allows us to invest in eternal things, and learning to enjoy and celebrate what we have and celebrate when others are blessed and entrusted with more! Living a life in balance makes anyone a wealthy individual on this planet!  
 
Life…real-life has many ups, downs, twists, and turns. We cannot control that, but we can control how we deal with all of it. Wealthy is the person that knows deep in their heart and has committed themselves to that Truth that the place to seek wealth is at the Throne of God! 
 
     One of the men that grew up with Jesus said this: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights". James 1:17
 
Challenge: Are you selling yourself and God short, seeking stuff instead of the wealth of life? What need could you have that God cannot supply? Do you believe that if God knows even a desire you have would be best for you, do you believe He will supply it?