It is truly astonishing how timely and apt Solomon’s words are in our present day. What he wrote a millennia ago finds an alarming confirmation today in many countries around the world: “A king establishes the land by justice, but one who imposes heavy taxes brings it to ruin” (Proverbs 29:4; Lutherbible 1984).
Some other English translations have it this way:
“A king gives stability to a country by justice, but one who overtaxes it brings it to ruin“ (Complete Jewish Bible 1998).”
“A king gives stability to the land by justice, but one who imposes heavy taxes tears it down” (Common English Bible).”
Today, ever-higher taxes and fees are being demanded. People are being literally squeezed dry until they have hardly anything left to live on. Thus, creeping expropriation is taking place! More and more is being taken out of their pockets. And eventually, they often have no choice but to sell their belongings.
Some pensioners, especially here in Germany, who must even pay taxes on their retirement benefits and also cover their own health insurance costs, can barely afford to simply stop by a bistro for a cup of coffee.
Drivers around the world are also being asked to pay more and more at gas stations. At the same time, there has been repeated talk that numerous factories in the German automotive industry are facing closure. While parts of the car industry are under enormous economic pressure, the defense industry is benefiting from political and economic developments by increasingly shifting parts of its production toward military goods.
As a result, stock prices in the defense sector are rising—in some cases significantly—and those who already possess great wealth can further increase their riches.
The real estate market, too, has long since become a purely commercial venture, with large investors buying up vast amounts of housing to rent it out as profitably as possible. At the same time, the cost of living continues to rise, and many people are desperately trying to make the most of their financial resources, working increasingly long hours and seeking additional sources of income just to maintain their standard of living at all. The gap between rich and poor continues to widen; the poor are getting poorer, and misery is on the rise.
This frightens many, and one might ask: What are we actually working for our whole lives? In the end, what really remains of all that we work so hard for? And what value do these earthly treasures still have when we one day stand before God? What did Christ tell us in light of all these developments?
Christ said: “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23). And furthermore: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).
But what is truly so valuable to us?
If our greatest treasure consists of money, possessions, a house, cars, recognition, or power in this world, then our heart is bound to these things, and we are serving the devil.
But if our treasure is God—His truth, His righteousness, His love, and the coming Kingdom of God—then we direct our lives toward something so magnificent that it cannot be compared to this present life. Patience, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness, mercy, and above all, love are qualities that are essential to God’s Kingdom.
When we stand before God one day, will He ask us how much gold, silver, real estate, and possessions we have accumulated on this earth? Or rather, will what matters most be what we have done with our lives, our faith, our love, and what He has entrusted to us? (Galatians 5:21)
(Initial Translation: Daniel Blasinger)