We can be very sure that riches and worldly greatness are no sure marks of God's favor. They are often, on the contrary, a snare and hindrance to a man's soul. They make him love the world and forget God. What does Solomon say? “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” [Proverbs 23:4] What does Paul say? “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” [1 Timothy 6:9]
