Good and Plenty

(Pro 28:19 KJV)  He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

On a recent drive the topic of money came up and the question is how much does it take to make some people happy.  I often remember and quote a statement attributed to various rich people:  “How much money does it take to make a man happy?  Just a little more.”  That comes into play when we look at the word translated “plenty” (7646).  There are two elements in this equation.  One is absolute and the other is relative.  

The absolute has to do with needs.  In order to be healthy we need a certain amount of food.  It helps to have the right balance of nutrients but one “expert” in the field once pointed out that with all the additives in modern foods, the odds of having a real lack are pretty slim.  We know what hunger is.  We know that we reach a point where the hunger is satisfied.

Which brings us to the second element.  Many of us keep eating when our body is aware it has had enough.  This is where the “just a little bit more” philosophy crosses over into our diet.  It effects every area of our life.  If you allow it to reign you will never reach the finish line because it will be like the carrot on a stick in the cartoon.  It will always be just out of reach.

So?  One aspect of our thinking and meditation should focus on what we really need and be satisfied when God provides it.