Neither intellect nor labor will bear fruit unless the Lord grants success. On the contrary, it is His blessing alone that clears the way through all obstacles and brings everything to a joyful and favorable conclusion. Secondly, even if, without His blessing, we manage to acquire a measure of fame and riches (as we often see the wicked adorned with honors and wealth), we must recognize that those under God’s curse do not partake in the slightest degree of true happiness. Anything we obtain without His blessing is destined for ill fortune. Surely, we should not desire that which only adds to our misery.
Therefore, let us firmly believe that all prosperity and desirable success come solely from the blessing of God, while recognizing that without it, we are destined for various forms of misery and calamity. This understanding should reshape our perspective on wealth and honors. Instead of eagerly striving for them through our own cunning and efforts, relying on the favor of others or trusting in the fickle whims of fortune, we ought to always have our eyes fixed on the Lord. It is under His guidance that we should be led to the path He has prepared for us. The first consequence of this perspective is that we will no longer pursue wealth and honors with reckless disregard for what is right and wrong. We will forsake deceitful schemes, wicked strategies, and actions that harm our neighbors. For how can we hope for the divine blessing while engaging in fraud, theft, and other iniquitous practices? This blessing is bestowed upon those who think with purity and act with uprightness, and it turns us away from sinister designs and evil deeds. Secondly, this perspective will temper our desire for wealth and curb our ambition for honor. How can we audaciously expect God’s aid in fulfilling desires that contradict His Word? What God Himself has pronounced as cursed can never be pursued with His blessing. Lastly, if our achievements do not align with our hopes and aspirations, we will be shielded from impatience and despising our lot, whatever it may be. We will understand that to feel such discontent is to murmur against God, who, according to His will, dispenses riches and poverty, contempt and honors. In essence, the one who leans on the divine blessing, as described, will not employ wicked arts in the pursuit of what others most eagerly desire, knowing that such tactics are ultimately futile. Moreover, when prosperity comes their way, they will not attribute it to their own diligence, industry, or fortune, but rather recognize God as the true author. If, while others flourish, their own progress is limited or even regresses, they will bear their humble circumstances with greater equanimity and moderation than irreligious individuals do when their moderate success falls short of their desires. This person finds solace in resting more tranquilly than those at the pinnacle of wealth or power, for they believe that the Lord orders their affairs in the manner most conducive to their salvation.
John Calvin. On the Christian Life.
