People: John Dashwood, Elinor
Text: Elinor’s half-brother, John Dashwood, also enjoyed getting to meet Sir John Middleton and Lady Middleton. He was impressed with the wealth and comfort of their London home. The conversation about money, income, and wealth continued, even after this visit.
John Dashwood ventured to take this interest in the financial strength of their friends a step further.
“In all probability,” he began, “when Mrs. Jennings dies you will not be forgotten-she must have a great deal to leave.”
“Nothing at all,” said Elinor, “I should rather suppose; for she has only her furniture, which will descend to her children.”
“But it is not to be imagined that she lives up to her income. Few people of common prudence will do that; and whatever she saves, she will be able to dispose of.”
“And do you not think,” said Elinor, “it more likely that she should leave it to her daughters, than to us?”
“Her daughters are both exceedingly well married, and therefore I cannot perceive the necessity of her remembering them farther. By treating you in this kind way, she has given you a sort of claim on her future consideration, which a conscientious woman would not disregard. She is aware of the expectation she raises.”
“But she raises none in those most concerned,” said Elinor. “Indeed, brother, your anxiety for our welfare and prosperity carries you too far.”
Emotion: ungenerous
Insight: The verse in 1 Timothy 6:10 could act as a warning about John Dashwood, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
John Dashwood is an enigma. When he had the opportunity to do something himself for his half-sisters, he did nothing. And yet here in this passage, he seems eager to have other people improve the material wealth of his sisters. First, he implied that Elinor could have a good catch in Colonel Brandon and that she should flirt with him to bring about a proposal. He then takes things too far by admitting that it would be very likely that Mrs. Jennings would leave money to Elinor and Marianne. His greed is obvious to others.
The warning to Timothy knows the avaricious heart of mankind. He tells us that no one is ever satisfied with the money or income that he has. Loving money and wealth actually robs a person of the ability to enjoy what he has. May we be as wise as Elinor and see through the schemes of those who would interfere in our lives. Let us be advised to not be like John Dashwood, seeing people with dollar signs over their heads. People are more valuable than the bottom line of their bank accounts. And finally, let us be content enough to enjoy what we have.
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