“The Folly of Trusting in Riches”

Summary In Psalm 49: it is a sermon, and so is the next. In most of the psalms we have the “penman a person who was skilled or professionally engaged in writing by hand, typically, as a clerk, on behalf of others.” Praying or praising; in these we have him preaching; and it is our duty, in singing psalms, to teach and admonish ourselves and one another. The scope and design of this discourse is to convince the men of this world of their sin and folly in setting their hearts upon the things of this world, and so to persuade them to seek the things of a better world; as also to comfort the people of God, in reference to their own troubles and the grief that arises from the prosperity of the wicked. I. In the preface he proposes to awaken worldly people out of their security.
Psalm Chapter 49:1-20
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me~ those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them~ the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough~ so that they should live on forever and not see decay. For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. 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. Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper~ they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life. People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.

Father God, I am believing that You would develop in me a deeper and more personal thirst for You with each passing day, for it is only as I stand deeply with You that my soul can be satisfied. Only as I am refreshed by Your Living Waters of life.. may I be used as a conduit through whom Your refreshment may be poured out to other thirsty souls I love you, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

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