Wisdom Over Wealth with John Cortines

Feb 25, 2025

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It’s often said that wisdom may create wealth, but wealth rarely creates wisdom.

What’s more valuable, wisdom or wealth? Before you answer, consider that wealth is fleeting, but wisdom is never lost. John Cortines joins us today to discuss why wisdom over wealth is always the right choice.

John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation and previously served as the Chief Operations Officer at Generous Giving. He is the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.

A Study in Ecclesiastes: Wisdom Over Wealth

For the last year, John has been working on an in-depth study for FaithFi titled "Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money." The study is designed to help believers align their financial decisions with biblical principles.

At the heart of the study is a profound truth: while wisdom and wealth are both valuable, only wisdom can preserve life.

A Tale of Three Siblings: The Power of Wisdom

To illustrate Ecclesiastes's message, John shares a real-life story that highlights the stark contrast between wisdom and wealth:

Three siblings each inherited $1 million at age 18—a life-changing sum. Yet, their paths diverged dramatically:

The first sibling followed a path similar to the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), squandering their wealth and ending up in financial ruin.
The second sibling made some wise decisions but ultimately spent beyond their means, leaving them with little to show for the inheritance.
The third sibling sought wisdom, meeting with godly mentors and hiring a Christian financial advisor. They learned about generosity, investing, and stewardship. Today, they glorify God with their finances and have built a stable foundation for the future.

This story powerfully illustrates that wisdom can generate wealth, but wealth rarely generates wisdom.

Why Prioritizing Wisdom Matters

Ecclesiastes sheds light on this principle in Ecclesiastes 7:11-12:

"Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: wisdom preserves those who have it."

John shares three lessons from this passage that we can take from this:

Wealth is useful, but it is temporary.
Wisdom is lasting, offering protection, guidance, and life.
Without wisdom, wealth can be destructive.

While Scripture never condemns wealth, it warns us to prioritize wisdom above financial gain.

Thanks to compound interest and investments, wealth tends to grow exponentially throughout life. However, wisdom doesn’t grow automatically—it requires intentional effort.

If wealth outpaces wisdom, it creates danger. But when wisdom leads, it preserves our life and financial well-being.

This is especially critical during sudden wealth events, such as receiving an inheritance, a bonus, or selling a business. Without wisdom, wealth can disappear quickly.

So, if wisdom is more valuable than wealth, how do we pursue it?

Wisdom isn’t just a set of principles—it’s a person. 1 Corinthians 1:24 refers to Jesus as:

"Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God."

True wisdom begins with knowing Christ. It’s about seeking Him through prayer, studying His Word, and surrounding yourself with godly counsel.

Wisdom Before Wealth: A Message for Parents

For those preparing to transfer wealth to the next generation, we must prioritize passing down wisdom first.

The great wealth transfer is happening all around us, but money without wisdom can be destructive. Parents should talk about finances, generosity, and stewardship long before an inheritance is passed down.

Here’s how to transfer wisdom before wealth:

Start financial conversations early, even with young children.
Encourage responsible financial habits.
Model biblical stewardship in your own life.
Consider gradual giving instead of a lump sum inheritance.

The worst approach is to write a will, wait until you pass away, and hope your kids figure it out. Open the conversation today.

The Larger Message of Ecclesiastes: Jesus is Our Ultimate Wisdom

Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, there are two major themes:

The Shortness of Life—Ecclesiastes mentions death in 11 out of its 12 chapters. This isn’t to bring fear but to remind us to live with urgency and purpose.
Aligning Finances with Faith—Money is a tool, but it must be managed in light of God’s eternal kingdom.

Life is short. Let’s honor God with our time, talents, and treasure. Wisdom is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. When we align our hearts with Him, our finances, decisions, and entire lives are transformed. Let’s pursue wisdom over wealth, knowing that true riches are found in Christ.

As you consider your finances, ask yourself:

Am I pursuing wisdom as much as I pursue wealth?
Am I making financial decisions based on biblical principles?
Am I preparing my children and loved ones to handle money wisely?

Money is temporary. Wisdom is eternal. Choose wisely.

FaithFi’s Newest Study: Wisdom Over Wealth

If you’d like to dive deeper into FaithFi’s new study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money is available for pre-order now at FaithFi.com/Shop. This resource will provide practical biblical insights on money, stewardship, and wisdom.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I have the opportunity to buy a 19-unit apartment building from a family member for around $1.2 million. I would need to get a loan for $1 million. I think I can increase the currently low rents and build up the equity. What are your thoughts on this opportunity?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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