April 10
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PSALM 49 THE WISE PREPARES FOR ETERNITY
11 Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names.12 Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah 14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning.
Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. 15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah 16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. 17 For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light.20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. – Psalm 49:11-20
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LOVERS OF WEALTH PERISH WITH NOTHING by ILMA
The foolish gather material wealth and hold on to them
They hoard and are sparing to share their possessions
They guard all their riches so that they can have more
How futile to think that these things can bring them joy!
As the foolish hold on to things, they become prisoners
They don’t want to lose control and are slaves to fear
It is a sad fate to watch the unwise to cling to things
As these riches fade away, they also start perishing.
While the fools think they are envied for their wealth
They fail to see the value of relationships and health
As they continue with their greed, lust and folly
They are treading the wide road to sin continually
The upright will rule over these lovers of riches
The godly gather spiritual riches which lead to eternity
A reward awaits the wise and faithful servants of the Lord
A room will be ready for them when they leave this world.
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REFLECTION
• What challenge does the psalmist present in this psalm regarding wealth?
Tag Archives: PSALM 49
PSALM 49 ON TRUSTING AND BOASTING ABOUT WEALTH
April 9
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PSALM 49 ON TRUSTING AND BOASTING ABOUT WEALTH
Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
2 both low and high, rich and poor together! 3 My mouth shall speak wisdom;
the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. 4 I will incline my ear to a proverb;
I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.5 Why should I fear in times of trouble,
when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,
6 those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?
7 Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life,
8 for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
9 that he should live on forever and never see the pit.
10 For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish
and leave their wealth to others. – Psalm 49:1-10
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WARNING TO THOSE WHO TREASURE WEALTH by ILMA
To all men, rich and poor alike, take heed and be warned
Trust in your possessions and you will soon forget God
What does it benefit someone who boasts about their riches?
Can such wealth be of any use when they perish?
The riches that will last forever are those that are heavenly
Gather only such wealth that will benefit your spiritual maturity
Trust only in the Lord God, who made heaven and earth
Don’t value things that doesn’t last forever; it is pointless.
Can your riches buy your salvation and give you life everlasting?
The Lord came to ransom you from sin and grant you eternal life
It was the blood of Jesus that freed us from the bondage of sin
No money can buy you freedom or save you from your own iniquity.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the Sons of Korah address the subject on wealth and trusting it or boasting about it?
• Why is it foolish to rely on material wealth while you are still alive? What kind of wealth should you gather as children of God?