It reads much like a certain Italian fellow wrote in The Prince.
And it merely deals with the tangible, not peace of mind or righteousness.
Here’s some worthwhile reading on the general subject.
Book of Job
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=22&version=9
Book of Psalms
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&version=9
Book of Proverbs
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=24&version=9
Book of Ecclesiastes
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=25&version=9