Sirach 5:2

Follow not in thy strength the desires of thy heart.

Sirach 5:2

In Sirach, we read a warning against making decisions when everything seems to be going well for us. When we are prospering physically or financially, we take the necessities of life for granted and scoff at the simplicity of the wise.

When all of our needs are provided for, we begin looking to what’s next for us to pursue. The more we prosper, the further our eyes begin to look. We begin changing our routines, neglecting duties, pursuing new things, assuming that our prosperity is the new norm.

In our strength, we follow the desires of our hearts, which is unwise.

It’s important for us to establish the rule of our life according to principles that don’t change. A routine of daily prayers, Mass attendance, Scripture reading, necessary work tasks, etc., will take up all or most of our time, every day. If, in God’s providence, riches come, we should stick to our routine. If, in God’s providence, riches depart from us, it will not matter.

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith.

Philippians 4:11