Daily Devotional – Wednesday, November 2, 2022
A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, is like the beasts that perish.
Psalms 49:20 (NKJV)
In the forty-ninth psalm, the sons of Korah discuss the tragedy of honour without wisdom or the confidence of the foolish and godless. Those who trust in their wealth and boast in their riches (Psalms 49:6) displease God.
The Power and Influence of Riches
Here is a description of such a person:
“For he sees wise men die. Likewise, the fool and the senseless person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever; their dwelling places to all generations. They call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless, man, though in honor, does not remain. He is like the beasts that perish.” (Verses 10-12).
The allure of wealth makes people ignore God and forget the fate that awaits them—death. Riches can propel one to positions of honour and power. Indeed, it is rare to find a poor person elevated and influential.
Wealthy, Honourable but Ungodly
While being wealthy is not a sin (genuine wealth is a blessing from God), this psalm warns against putting our trust in material possessions. Acquiring riches while leading an ungodly life places us on the same level as beasts.
While one may seem to enjoy such a life, his end is as follows:
“For when he dies he shall carry nothing away. His glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lives he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself). He shall go to the generation of his fathers. They shall never see light.” (Verses 17-19).
The Tragedy of Honour and Wealth Without Wisdom
Irrespective of how large we live, the fate of the rich and the poor is the same. We brought nothing into the world. We take nothing with us at death. What awaits us is judgement, which will be based on how we lived.
The psalm concludes on a somber mood: “A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beasts that perish.” (Verse 20). However rich and honourable we become, if we exclude God from our lives, we are no better than wild animals, whose deaths are inconsequential. It is tragic to excel in life without God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom so that when you bestow wealth and honour on me, I will not turn away from You.
Please leave a comment after reading this devotional.
JESUS,
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Amen, Danvas. Thank you for the additional insights. God bless you.
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