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People with surplus wealth begin to spend it on things they think they will enjoy. However, it slowly becomes apparent that the time and money they spend protecting, repairing, maintaining, and even using these assets almost makes them servants of that which they ostensibly own.

Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one. --Benjamin Franklin

One particular aspect of the deceitfulness of riches is that while one thinks he is gaining, he is really losing. Sometimes the wealthy hire someone to manage their affairs so that they can be free of the entanglements that riches often bring. However, it is not uncommon for those who have gained stewardship of others resources to begin to find ways to divert some into their own pockets.

Fretting over the threat of money loss, the demands of asset management, and even the worries about those who have been entrusted with your wealth can create even greater anxiety than one had before he was well off.

Riches and possessions are uncertain. Trust in them will ultimately fail. Trust in God who is unchanging, eternal, and merciful relives us from unnecessary worry and anxiety. The anxieties associated with riches reflect their ultimate source, ourselves. The Hollywood starlet may think her looks will never fail. The rock star may feel that his inspiration will never cease, the executive may feel that his talents will always be recognized, the office sycophant may think his loyalty will always be rewarded, the welfare recipient may think his dole will constantly increase.

No matter what it is in which we trust, if it is other than God, it is ultimately only a reflection of ourselves and ultimately unreliable. At some level we often know this and can come to work like slaves to sustain that which we have acquired. All of this effort and anxiety to serve that which is not worthy of our trust is truly sad.

An aspect of the deceitfulness of riches is misplaced faith. One might consider that we are ultimately brought to the state of 'servant' by having failed to place our trust in God.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. - John 8:31-32

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