Chapter 49

Hear this, all peoples;

Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,

2 Both low and high,

Rich and poor together. (Psalm 49:1-2)

There are four kinds of riches.

1. There are riches in what you have,

2. riches in what you do,

3. riches in what you know, and

4. riches in what you are – riches of character.

The psalmist spoke of those who are only rich in the first way – the least important kind of wealth.

And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding. (Psalm 49:3)

Meditating on the word will give you understanding

For he sees wise men die;

Likewise the fool and the senseless person perish,

And leave their wealth to others. (Psalm 49:10)

We can’t take our material wealth with us to the world beyond, but there is a real sense in which we can send it on ahead. Jesus spoke of using our present material resources to store up treasure in heaven (Mark 10:21).

Our material wealth can do us good in the world to come, but that happens through kingdom minded generosity more than accumulation.