It is interesting to hear King Solomon talk about money. On the one hand, you’d think he was in no position to talk about how money isn’t all that big a deal. He had an immense pile of it, more silver and gold than he could spend in his lifetime. First Kings chapter 10 says that in Jerusalem silver was as common as stones. You might wish that God would lay that kind of wealth on you; perhaps you think you could handle it.

Solomon’s money did not bring him happiness. If you read what he wrote in Ecclesiastes, you will hear the sad voice of a man who had everything money could buy but no joy. So when he says that honor is better than money, you should listen. “A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth” (Proverbs 11:16). Honor and a good name are more powerful than money. If you lose your money, you can get more later. If you lose your reputation, you will probably never get it back.

Your money has to stay on earth when you die. There is no financial instrument available to humankind to enable us to take any wealth into heaven. It’s temporary. But being a friend to people, helping people, showing kindness to people will bring you honor and friends that can last for all eternity.

Respect is more important than money. Friends are more important than money.