How to Become an Honourable Beast

Daily Devotional – Monday, May 29, 2023
A man who is in honour, yet does not understand is like the beasts that perish.
Psalms 49:20 (NKJV)

Elephants are majestic animals that tower above other animals and human beings. Jumbos are among the most intelligent animals. Eventually, though, elephants die a hopeless death. Nobody remembers their strength or power. In this respect, these giants are examples of honourable beasts without hope after death.

A Man Without Honour is Like a Beast

Beasts have no understanding like human beings. If you domesticate a wild animal, it can turn harm or kill you unannounced. It will forget every good thing you have done to it and treat you like a fellow wild animal. What else do you expect from a wild beast that has no conscience?

Did you know the Bible compares a certain class human beings to beasts? According to the Sons of Korah, “A man who is in honour, yet does not understand is like the beasts that perish.” (Psalms 49:20). How can honour, understanding and a perishing beast exist in the same statement?

Reduced to the Level of a Beast

A wealth and powerful man who lacks wisdom is no better than an animal. If we rely on material possessions and fail to realize the real reason we are on earth, how different are we from brutes? Living only for the present and indulging in unfettered worldly pleasures relegates us to the level of animals that have no hope beyond death.

While we may have the physique and demeanour of human beings, if we reject the wisdom that God offers for responsible living, we are just like animals and our end will be as hopeless as those of beasts. From being created a little lower than angels (Psalm 8), we descend to the status of mute and unintelligible creatures.

How to Become an Honourable Beast

It is desirable and commendable to become wealthy, honourable and powerful. However, we must be careful not to sideline God from our lives. We need to be careful not to become like the rich fool who stored up treasure on the earth but was not rich towards God. (Luke 12:13-21).

Today, determine not to become an honourable beast. Do not allow your worldly possessions to block God, the giver of wealth, power and honour, from your life. Pray that you will keep everything in perspective by giving God the first place in your life. Remember, honour without God reduces human beings to the level of hopeless beasts.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, have You way with me. Be the Alpha and Omega of my life.