In Psalm 49, the Psalmist continues to discuss the fate of everyone, whether they are rich or poor. Everyone will face death and the possessions that the rich leave behind will be for others to keep. John 3:16 gives two destinations when people die: death or eternal life. John 3:16 says, "For God so love the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life." Those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior will have eternal life, but those who reject Jesus as their Lord and Savior will perish forever from the presence of God to eternal condemnation in hell. Psalm 49:13-15 says, "This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself." The Bible doesn't teach that being rich is wrong, but the Bible teaches that trusting in wealth is wrong.
There are many advantages to having wealth. It gives us comfort in life, provides for our needs, wants, and desires, and can provide security. Many people strive to be rich so that they can get whatever they want. People become envious of riches. However, wealth is very deceiving. Wealth cannot save someone's soul from going to hell. So, the Psalmist gives us a piece of advice, "So don't be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don't understand; they will die, just like animals (Psalm 49:16-20)."
Wealth and richness are not bad or evil. Pursuing success in our careers is good. We need to thank God if He has blessed us with wealth and richness. However, what becomes wrong is when we boast and trust in the wealth and richness that God has entrusted to us. Guard our hearts from becoming envious of wealth and richness and be content with what God has provided for us.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). How do wealth and richness become bad for us? Can wealth and richness save my soul from hell? What should be my attitude if God entrusted me with wealth and richness?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I acknowledge that you are the source of wealth and richness. I pray that you will guard my heart from trusting in the things that you have provided for me. I pray that I will always trust you, not on the wealth and richness of this world. In my pursuit to have a better life in this world, please help me to always trust in you, knowing that you are my ultimate provider. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.