MONDAY, AUGUST 20
Psalm 49:1-20
Luke 12:16-21

“For what shall it profit a man,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?”

SONG OF THE RICH FOOL

Whereas the Preacher sees through life’s vanity lived “under the sun,” the rich fool in Psalm 49 goes to the grave, like sheep (to the slaughter), his money and face perishing together with him (Ps 49:17). This Psalm fits perfectly the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21. Is a wealthy Christian who spends with not a thought for God a rich fool?

The millionaire sees his silver dollar as a bullock cart wheel. As his value of life is the mighty dollar, he sets his hope entirely on earth. In the words of John Calvin, every mortal man thinks he is going to live on earth forever. So he builds houses that will last for generations to come and perpetuates his name in his properties (Ps 49:11). For example, a philanthropist will give thousands, even millions, on condition that institutions endowed by him are named after him. From money he goes for fame (Ps 49:16). And as long as he goes along with the world, he will receive their applause (Ps 49:18). As a tycoon he overawes the man in the street (Ps 49:16).

The Psalmist points out that the rich and mighty are no better than the poor and lowly (Ps 49:2) because they all face a common foe: death. All the world’s money cannot prolong a man’s life one second after his appointed time. A rich man’s money can neither save his brother, “nor give to God a ransom for him” (Ps 49:7). When death comes, it levels all to one classless society. Rich or poor, they lie at the same level, “six feet under the ground.”

Wisdom and understanding (Ps 49:3) will heed this question in Mark 8:36. A rich man without life everlasting is consumed by death, not only physically but spiritually. (The rich man woke up in hell.) A wise man (even poor Lazarus) seeks God in this life first, so that when he dies, his soul is redeemed from the power of the grave (Ps 49:15). Therefore in the days of evil, danger or death, when he is surrounded by every kind of wickedness, he is not afraid. A Christian is not afraid of death (Ps 49:5).

THOUGHT: What is my aim? Money or life?
PRAYER: Lord, may I value what, according to Thy Word, is important.