Faith & Finance - Wisdom Over Wealth with John Cortines

Wisdom may create wealth, but wealth rarely creates wisdom. Both wisdom and wealth can offer a measure of protection, but only wisdom can guide us in using money faithfully. Wealth can disappear through poor decisions, changing circumstances, or simply the passage of time. Godly wisdom, however, shapes our character, directs our choices, and helps us place money in its proper role. John Cortines, Director of Partnership and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and author of True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart, explored this theme while writing FaithFi’s study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money last year. Ecclesiastes can initially feel mysterious or even discouraging. Yet beneath its reflections on life’s brevity is a deeply hopeful message: achievement, pleasure, possessions, and wealth cannot bear the weight of our souls—but God can. A Tale of Three Inheritances Cortines illustrates the importance of wisdom with the true story of three siblings who each received a substantial inheritance at age 18—roughly $1 million in today’s dollars. The first sibling followed a path resembling the Prodigal Son. Poor decisions led to the inheritance being squandered, leaving that person in a difficult position both financially and personally. The second sibling managed the money somewhat better but continued spending more than they earned. Eventually, most of the inheritance disappeared, although the sibling was able to retain a home. The third sibling responded differently. After watching what happened to the older siblings, this young adult began meeting with mature, godly leaders in the community. The heir asked questions, sought counsel, and hired a Christian financial advisor. Rather than assuming that money alone would provide security, this person recognized the need for wisdom. Over time, the third sibling completed a college degree, learned to invest thoughtfully, practiced generosity, and developed a healthier relationship with money. Three siblings received essentially the same financial opportunity. Yet they experienced radically different outcomes. The difference was not the amount they inherited. It was the wisdom with which they handled it. Wealth and Wisdom Can Both Provide Shelter Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 acknowledges that both wisdom and money can provide protection. Wealth can meet practical needs, create opportunities, and offer a financial buffer during difficult seasons. Scripture does not teach that wealth is inherently evil. Money is a resource God may entrust to us for provision, enjoyment, generosity, and service. But Ecclesiastes also identifies an important distinction: wisdom preserves those who possess it. Money can provide temporary shelter, but it cannot tell us what is worth pursuing. It cannot form our character, govern our desires, or teach us how to live faithfully. Without wisdom, wealth may amplify our existing weaknesses rather than resolve them. That is why wisdom must come before wealth. When Wealth Grows Faster Than Wisdom For many people, wealth grows gradually through earnings, saving, investing, and compound growth. In other cases, it arrives suddenly through an inheritance, business sale, insurance settlement, or unexpected opportunity. Either way, the principle remains the same: as wealth grows, wisdom must grow even faster. When financial resources outpace spiritual and emotional maturity, m