This is a psalm from the sons of Korah that encourages the worshippers not to fear when they are in trouble. They must not be deceived into thinking that their resources will protect them.

Verses 1-12 call those in high or low status, rich or poor, to hear the wisdom that was about to be imparted to them. It would help them know how to live and not fear the wicked in times of trouble. Those who trust in their wealth would learn that these things cannot protect their lives. Nor can they use them as a ransom to God for them to live forever and not die.

The wise and the foolish, they will all die one day. The wealth they accumulated will be given to those who come after them. Their final and eternal home is the grave. This is the “home” (the grave) we would live behind for the next generation to remember us. We may own lands and houses when we are alive on earth, but we will all die like all forms of living creatures. There is no exception. There is no way we can prolong our lives with our wealth. We will die one day. All that we possess will be given to someone else. The rich and the poor, and the wise and the foolish, no amount of money can buy us time to live forever.

There is only one person who can give us eternal life. He is the Son of God. Jesus Christ. He has paid a ransom so we may live forever. But the condition is that we must repent of our sins and believe in Him as our Savior. Have you believed, or will you do so if we have not? If we have done so, will you live for Him instead of all these things that we are working so hard to have? Our final destiny and home will either be in heaven or a hole in the ground!

In verses 13-20, the psalmist described the fate of those who trust in their wealth or in themselves. They are like sheep led to the slaughter if they trust in them. The name of their shepherd is Death. Their home is not the heavenly mansion that Christ had gone to prepare for them. Those who trust in Him will be delivered from death and live here with Him.

So, do not envy the rich when they become richer. Their riches will die with them. We think they are blessed and praise them in their prosperity, but we will join them in their graves and not live in their heavenly home in eternity if we trust in these things. The wealthy are without this knowledge, and will perish like the beasts. We do not need to envy them as they would end up like everyone else. They will not live again as they are not born again. Without Christ, all will die in eternity.

No amount of wealth can buy life. Death will eventually “kill” us, but only God can save us and give us eternal life. Wealth cannot buy life or eternal life. Only Jesus can give us abundant and eternal life. Wealth cannot even be brought to heaven or hell, but only to be left to the next generation. So, do not trust in wealth, but trust in Jesus. Believe in Him before you end up like sheep led to the slaughter. Believe in Jesus to forgive you for your sins.

The penalty of sin is death, and believe in Jesus, who will give us eternal life! If we have Jesus, we do not have to fear when we are in trouble or when we face death, because we know the Savior has gone to prepare a place for us in the Father’s heavenly mansion.

Prayer:

O Lord, I thank you that when I believe in you, I will have been given life. The penalty of sin, death, has been removed from me. I now have eternal life!