Psalm 49 -- The Subject Of Riches

“Trusting Money Is Foolish” is how this chapter is titled in my Bible, and the sons of Korah were attacking the age-old Jewish belief that wealth was a mark of God’s blessing.  They knew that we can’t take it with us:  “No one can pay God for his own life, because the price of a life is high.  No payment is ever enough.”

My commentary said, “Wealth cannot prevent death, wealth will not determine your destiny, and wealth must not increase your desires.”  Yet with all the negative talk about wealth, it also said, “It isn’t a sin to be wealthy if we acknowledge God as the Giver and use what He gives to help others and glorify His name…. If we have been faithful stewards of what God has given us, we possess eternal riches that will never fade.  We can’t take wealth with us, but we can send it ahead… It isn’t a sin to have wealth, provided we earned it honestly, spend it wisely, and invest it faithfully in that which pleases the Lord.”

One thing I like about this chapter:  Although in verse 11 it says, “Their graves will always be their homes.  They will live there from now on,” in verse 15 we read, “But God will save my life and will take me from the grave.”  This is one of the few hints at resurrection in the Old Testament.

Father, I thank You for blessing me enough to allow me to bless others.  Please give me wisdom in how I steward what You provide and help me to always give You the glory for providing it.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford