Mini-Bible-Philosophy-Worldview Study (6) Of The Day- On Money Or Happiness
Verse Of The Day
And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. (Genesis 47:15)
Related Quotes
“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free; if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.”- Edmund Burke
“He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.”- Benjamin Franklin
“Never spend your money before you have earned it.”- Thomas Jefferson
Questions For Discussion
Which “wins” more consistently in your life, the pursuit of money or the search for pleasure?
If you died today, would your family be okay?
Do you feel you miss out on a lot in life because of your good or bad money choices?
Bonus Verses
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)
Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. (Genesis 31:15)
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things]. (Isaiah 45:7)
Commentary- On Empty Wallets And Free Coffee
Craig note- I often write content while riding the train. It saves time.
On Having No Money
My wallet is empty. A coworker comes to my desk every month for “friendship” money. I pay money monthly for weekly snacks and the annual team-building trip. A teacher came today with a familiar envelope in her hand. The young woman took my last sen yen ($10).
The company uses the “friendship” money to pay for our annual team-building trip and to buy some snacks for the staff on occasion. The company’s owner kicks in money, too. We have done some fun trips over the years.
(Fast forward to the end of the day.)
I am standing on this crowded train with only four bucks worth of change in my back pants’ pocket and a faded train pass.
If my heart stopped at this second, the police would find a gaijin card (slang for a type of foreign ID in Japan, zairyu card), a health insurance card, and a crumpled coupon for a free cup of coffee on my person.
Buy ten cups. Get one free.
Life is not without a sense of humor.
I am reminded of a time long ago when my wallet was literally empty. My, my, my how times have changed!
It’s a funny feeling to know while my present wallet is empty, my life is full. To be sure, I am most grateful for that. It beats the alternative every time.
(Tangent.)
I read an article a few months ago about money and happiness. Research shows in America it takes only $75,000 (give or take) a year to make most folks happy. Of course, other factors like health and relationships play a role in life contentment, too.
The idea is any money above that figure does not significantly increase life happiness.
On the flip side, I read another article. It says if you have no debt and ten dollars in your wallet, your net worth is greater than 25% of Americans combined.
I stand on this train with zero money in my wallet, yet, I am more fortunate than many people in America.
Sad, isn’t it?
Moreover, two-thirds of the world’s population lives on less than two US dollars a day, most of those people on less than a dollar. The four bucks in change jingling in my back pants’ pocket makes me upper class in any number of places around the world.
Plus, I have that free coffee coupon.
Really sad, isn’t it?
(Back to my original thought.)
I remember in America a time when money (lack thereof) permeated my every thought. There was never anything I did in my life that was not connected to money. It was a depressing feeling.
Now, my wife handles the family finances.
That is common in Japan. I gave my ATM card to my wife years ago. I get some pocket-money every week.
And, that’s it.
It was a difficult transition to not deal with money matters. I remember pestering my wife about where the family’s money was going. My inquisitions were annoying her something fierce.
So, I stopped asking.
I find/found a great measure of freedom in working hard, living life, and never talking about money. Of course, that is easier to do when one has enough money. Thankfully, I don’t worry too much about keeping the lights on every month.
Still, I never take that for granted.
Trust me, I am not loaded. I will be flipping flashcards for a living until I am like 125.
I realized no amount of worrying about money changes my bank account balance. My energy and time is focused on working as hard as I can.
That is the part I control.
The rest is up to my company, my health, fate, and the universe. Although, I should ask my wife for a raise in case I want more than: “free coffee.”
Grey, Grizzled, and Gaijin
Mini-Bible-Philosophy-Worldview Study (5) Of The Day- On Helping Others And Long Distance Friends
