Psalm 49:
Someone titled this psalm, “The folly of trusting in riches.”
I suppose it depends on the interpretation of “riches”. We all too often think that riches are material; and that the rich are “6 those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches.” Indeed, these are the ones referred to by the psalmist.
But he does in fact, point to benefits that outlast these “riches” when he writes, “3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding”. Indeed, he states the all-important truth.
7 Truly, no ransom avails for one’s life,
there is no price one can give to God for it.
8 For the ransom of life is costly,
and can never suffice,
9 that one should live on forever
and never see the grave.
But there has been a ransom paid for my life, yours, and his too; and that was given after his time. Yes, really. That costly ransom of God’s son, the once-and-for-all-time- payment suffices. It cancels his observation that “14 Death shall be their shepherd”.
He knew it back then, for he went on to write, “15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me”.
And so, he says, “
16 Do not be afraid when some become rich,
when the wealth of their houses increases.
17 For when they die, they will carry nothing away.
Their wealth will not go down after them.
So true. So don’t be afraid when anyone, including you, gets that rich! Just continue to hold these “riches” in their proper perspective. They don’t last for ever. Perishable things must give way to what is imperishable.
But trust God. That which is imperishable cannot be outdone. Just keep perishable riches in perspective and strive for that which does not die.