Wealth or Wisdom

O. T. #1242  "Wealth or Wisdom"
July 17, 2018
Psalm 49

LET IT GLOW

This is one of the Wisdom Psalms. If we want to be wise, we should seek God's wisdom and ask for it, then we will receive it. We recognize the book of Proverbs as having wisdom for us, but what wisdom does this chapter have to share with us?

1. Money buys lots of things, but it cannot buy an extension on life or eternal life.
2. Our faith should be placed in God and not riches, so we do not fear evil.
3. The wealthy cannot redeem themselves, for God has provided redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. A ransom paid can never be large enough of a sufficient amount. (verses 7-9)
4. Everyone will eventually die, both the rich and poor of this world.
5. We leave it all behind when we leave this world. We brought nothing in and we take nothing out, materially speaking.
6. Our investments in earthly riches made here will only be left to those inheriting them. When Death summons the wealthy, they must leave behind stocks, shares, gold, jewels, and material possessions. However, our investments made in kingdom work, obedience, and resources used, faith in God and loving Him will be our treasures in heaven. Those will be lasting.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. His Word has a wealth of wisdom available for us to obtain. Just seek it.

LET IT GROW

Is our goal to be admired? Do we need the best and most of things to be admired by others? Or are we striving to please God? Is it wisdom or wealth that we seek? Does our happiness come from trusting in our money or in our God?

Paul gave Timothy some wisdom, found in 1 Timothy 6:9-11,
But those who would be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

We may not be a wealthy millionaire in this world, but we can be one in heaven.
Here are some verses concerning treasures: Matthew chapter 6, 12:35; 13:44 and Colossians 2:2-3.

LET IT GO

Spend my time and efforts seeking God's wisdom instead of the world's wealth.
Be thankful for what I have materially and spiritually.
Seek God's admiration and not the admiration of people.