Psalm 49:16 "Do not be afraid when one becomes rich..."
Day 90 – Psalm 49
“Do not be afraid when one becomes rich…” Psalm 49:16
FROM RAGS TO RICHES
Many are the stories of people who progress from rags to riches. The poor do not create a sense of fear in the heart. However, when someone becomes rich, people can become negatively influenced.
“Do not be afraid when one becomes rich,
When the glory of his house is increased;
For when he dies he shall carry nothing away;
His glory shall not descend after him.”
Psalm 49:16-17
1. Description of the road to wealth
a) A person begins life “making a living”.
b) He soon “becomes rich”.
c) His house achieves “glory”.
d) The stature of the wealthy suddenly seems to increase significantly.
2. Appropriate response
a) There is no need to be afraid of the wealthy.
b) Other pieces of advice (Psalm 37):-
i) One does not need to feel “fretful” (Psalm 37:1, 7)
ii) One must trust in the Lord (Psalm 37:3, 5)
iii) One is well-advised to wait on the Lord and to rest in Him (Psalm 37:7)
3. Looking beyond this short earthly life
a) Life ends all too soon.
b) At death all earthly glory and wealth comes to an abrupt end.
c) The dead cannot carry anything away WITH HIM!