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?