2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Sorrowful ... rejoicing ... This dual quality of the Christian life pertains to all believers, and not merely to Paul. In a world of sin, mortality, and many frustrations, "sorrow" is inevitable; but the distinguishing characteristic of faith in Christ is joy. Paul exemplified this as did no other. In his Philippian letter, for example, written from a dungeon in Rome, the words, "Rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice" are almost a litany throughout it. How marvelous are the joys in Christ! The knowledge of the Savior's love, the consciousness of sins forgiven, the confident hope of everlasting life, and the present possession of the blessed Holy Spirit within - such things surcharge the soul with joy unspeakable. "Solid joys and lasting pleasures only Zion's children know."

Poor ... many rich ... Clarke commented on this thus:

The gospel faithfully preached betters the condition of the poor. It makes them sober, frugal, dependable and diligent. They therefore both have and gain by religion, and this must lead to increase of property. They are thus made rich in comparison with their state of drunkenness, wastefulness and laziness before they became Christians? (Condensed and paraphrased.)[16]

This must be reckoned among the most astounding comments ever made on a passage of scripture; and, despite the fact that it focuses on a secular meaning that Paul never intended, it is nothing but blunt, unequivocal truth; and the lives of countless thousands of people have dramatically demonstrated it.

It must be admitted, however, that Paul was not speaking of material riches at all, but of the unsearchable riches in Christ Jesus.