The Hope of The Righteous is Eternal
November 2, 2022
Commentary
Everyone dies, from the wealthiest to the poorest. Like cattle we all perish (vv. 12, 14). It’s hard for one who is foolishly confident in their immortality to be corrected because in this life most people are more than happy to assist in furthering their dilution (v. 13). The Psalmist had hope that the Lord would ransom his soul from the grave (v. 15). This hope was fulfilled in Jesus.
The believer should not be intimidated or have any fear, no matter how unjust or how oppressive the rich man might be (v. 16). It is very clear in this passage that when the rich man dies, he shall carry nothing with him and his glory shall soon fade (v. 17). There is tendency for those who do not have much of this world’s goods to be intimidated by the wealthy who may portray a superiority. It is true that the rich may have many friends and be happy while he lives (v. 18) but in a few years he will join his ancestors in the grave (v. 19). The problem is that the rich man’s faith is placed in the wrong thing and is focused on the wrong world. He is like the beasts that perish (v. 20)!
In our blatantly materialistic society, many of us expend a lot of time and energy chasing the bucks while denying the reality of our own appointment with death. Since money cannot buy our life of happiness, we need to discover the true source. What a tragedy it is for a man, whether wealthy or poor, to leave this life without the Lord Jesus as Savior. However, to be rich and fail to invest that wealth where it will bring eternal dividends, is to be poor indeed. Such wealth is like a millstone around a man’s neck, dragging him down to eternal loss.
Application
What do I spend most of my time doing? _____ Making money _____ Getting to know the Lord better _____ Looking for ways to share the gospel
Psalms 49:12–20 (NET)
12 but, despite their wealth, people do not last. They are like animals that perish.
13 This is the destiny of fools, and of those who approve of their philosophy. (Selah)
14 They will travel to Sheol like sheep, with death as their shepherd. The godly will rule over them when the day of vindication dawns. Sheol will consume their bodies, and they will no longer live in impressive houses.
15 But God will rescue my life from the power of Sheol; certainly he will pull me to safety. (Selah)
16 Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich and his wealth multiplies.
17 For he will take nothing with him when he dies; his wealth will not follow him down into the grave.
18 He pronounces this blessing on himself while he is alive: “May men praise you, for you have done well.”
19 But he will join his ancestors; they will never again see the light of day.
20 Wealthy people do not understand; they are like animals that perish.
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