The Material and the Divine

Ever heard the "Prosperity Belief" among Christians these days?
This belief ensures that God blesses a believer abundantly in matters of material wealth as the result of their faith in Him. Whoever is NOT materially wealthy, then, is either doubted to possess true faith in God, or reckoned as one who has done some sinful acts (or retained sinful way of living) that prevent God's material blessings to be poured richly into his/her life.
Alright, we all believe that God does bless all His children. He always provides the needs of those who put their faith and trust in Him -- material needs included. But does money matter above all else?
I don't find such notion in the Scripture.
The Bible says about all who trusts in the Lord and does what He pleases:

"To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness, but to the sinner, He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God" (Ecclesiastes 2:26, NIV).

Are we sure that the abundant amount of wealth we are gathering indicates that we are blessed by the Lord for being upright and living to please Him?
Not necessarily so!
The above verse states clearly that when a man of faith pleases the Lord, He grants him (1) wisdom, (2) knowledge, and (3) happiness.

What does it mean?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Proverbs 1:7, NIV).

"Wisdom is supreme. Therefore, get wisdom! Though it costs all you have, get understanding!" (Proverbs 4:7, NIV)

It means that the Lord values spiritual treasures far above earthly ones. Wisdom and knowledge are the most precious matters on the planet, the Scripture says. This does not refer to worldly wisdom, but the divine one: the wisdom that springs from our fear of the Lord and flows into full knowledge of His divine being.
That is the one thing we should pursue!
When we are wise enough to fear God and grasp the knowledge of Him, He will send everlasting happiness and joy into our lives -- things money can never buy!

Why busy gathering treasures that will not last?
When God does bless us with abundant material wealth, as the above verse suggests, use it to gain wisdom and knowledge of God! Spend our worldly wealth to store up heavenly treasures, not only for ourselves, but for others as well!
Then, and only then, will we be rich in the sight of God.
The Lord blesses us all!