King Solomon's Advice for Retirement Investing

Do you look to Warren Buffett or Donald Trump for investment advice?  Christians can find far better, God-inspired advice from Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived.  Here are four nuggets of investment advice from Ecclesiastes 11.

1. “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth” (v. 1-2)

Solomon was undoubtedly involved in international trade with grain sent on ships. The Israelites were “casting [their] bread upon the water.” But the word is plural: “cast your bread on the waters.” Put your wheat in multiple ships, and send it out in a way so that if one should sink, you’ll not be ruined. In others words, diversify your portfolio. “To seven or even to eight” is Solomon’s suggestion to try every avenue there is and then add one more. Why? Because “you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.” The stock market could drop, the value of your house could plummet, Social Security could run out, and Medicare may be insufficient. Any number of financial misfortunes could, and most likely will, occur. Therefore, thoughtfully diversify.

2. “If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.” (v. 3-4)

Some things we can control but many we cannot.  Just as we cannot control when it rains or where a tree falls, you do not know how many years you must make your money last in retirement, or what the purchasing power of your money will be in the future.  But don’t freeze in fear and uncertainty. The farmer who always waits for the most opportune moment to plant will never do anything but leave the seed in the barn. Solomon says not to wait for conditions to be perfect but diligently plant investment seeds.

3. “Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.” (v. 5)

Too often, Christians are looking for a no-fault deal. We try to do insider-trading with God to get some information that will show us which choice is best for us. God won’t tell you your fortune; He has already told you your duty.

4. “Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.” (v. 6)

The key words are simply, “do not be idle.”  Because “you do not know,” you must continually sow.

— Dave Leeman, Senior partner, Retirement Surety, LLC www.RETIREMENTSURETY.COM