The Money Code– Book Summary

Some people like the Jews, and some do not. But no thoughtful man can deny the fact that they are, beyond any question, the most formidable and the most remarkable race which has appeared in the world. Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965), Prime Minister of Great Britain

Jews are estimated to be less than 1% of the world’s population yet approximately 25% of the world’s billionaires are Jewish.

Jewish-owned companies include the following:

Google, Inc., Facebook, Wikipedia, eBay, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft, Dell, Goldman Sachs, New York Times, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, Levi Strauss & Co., Sears, Starbucks Coffee, Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Disney, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers Studio, Viacom, Miramax, Dreamworks, CBS, Universal Pictures, Fox Film Corporation, HBO…

“Why are so many Jews so wealthy?”

Their secret lies not in their genetics or intelligence, as some have believed, but in their religion.

A groundbreaking study by professor of sociology Lisa A. Keister has discovered that religion influences a person’s success and finances.

“Religion is an important factor in wealth accumulation, a factor that hasn’t received a lot of attention,” said Lisa Keister.­­

Lisa A. Keister says that religion influences the accumulation of wealth directly because “it shapes values and priorities, contributes to the set of competencies from which action is constructed, and may provide important social contacts.” Lisa A. Keister states that

“People draw on the tools they learn from religion to develop consistent strategies for dealing with problems and for making decisions such as savings, investment, and consumption decisions.”

She concludes that that there is solid evidence to confirm that being raised Jewish and practicing Judaism leads to the accumulation of wealth.

The Jewish Bible is known in Hebrew as the Tanakh.

The Talmud is a doctrinal book, which explains all the knowledge and teaching of the Jewish people.

WISDOM

“By your wisdom and discernment you have acquired wealth” (CJB, Ezekiel 28:4).

Wisdom brings “lasting wealth” (CJB, Proverbs 8:1, 18). It also helps an individual to succeed in whatever goals they pursue. The greater the wisdom, the greater and more frequent the success.

At times, it’s as if success is effortless for the individual with great wisdom.

“Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed” (NLT, Ecclesiastes 10:10).

Wisdom also provides protection.(CJB, Ecclesiastes 7:19). The wise are better able to protect any wealth they do acquire.

Knowledge vs. Wisdom

Wisdom is defined as the quality of having experience, and being able to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting. It is basically the practical application of knowledge. People with knowledge are not necessarily wise. Although they have an abundance of factual knowledge, they lack the practical know-how that is a mark of a wise person.

A wise person has knowledge, applies it, and succeeds at living well.

Solomon’s secret to his wealth was that he desired wisdom more than anything else. He desired an “an understanding heart” (CJB, 1 Kings 3:9). He didn’t care much for wealth or honor, and yet that is what he got along with wisdom.

Rather than pursuing wealth, pursue wisdom. The aggressive pursuit of wealth can lead to disappointment. “Don’t exhaust yourself in pursuit of wealth; be smart enough to desist. If you make your eyes rush at it, it’s no longer there!

For wealth will surely grow wings, like an eagle flying off to the sky” (CJB, Proverbs 23:4, 5)

Physicist Albert Einstein said, “wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” You can find wisdom through practicing humility, reading books, and from interacting with others.

Humility is regarded as a prerequisite to increasing in wisdom. When you are humble, you accept that there is always still more for you to learn. You never feel like an “expert” in any one subject. Humble people are teachable, open to change, and never stop learning.

The Tanakh says, “Poverty and shame are for him who won’t be taught, but he who heeds reproof will be honored” (CJB, Proverbs 13:18).