Prayer is Laughing - At Foolishness

Psalm 49:16-20 (NIV)
Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed-- and men praise you when you prosper--he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light [of life].  A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. 

Are you impressed with wealth or fame?  Does the fact someone has material things draw you to them?  Do you envy their position and yearn to be like them?  It does seem in this day that many are 'star-struck', thinking celebrities have it all together.  Our politicians even seem to long to rub elbows with those who have an abundance of earthly riches.

These five verses tell us that "you can't take it with you," something we have known for long.  But, we still want to have more.  The command," Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases" is worth contemplating.  Many of us have known some who, in our opinion, have it all. But we also recognize that many times they are not happy.  This points us to the last verse, A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. 

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence if we don't truly know what we have on our own side.  Sitting at my desk which overlooks my front yard, I see a bright green lawn.  From where I sit it looks admirable; lots of color, very full.  But upon closer scrutiny, when I get up from my chair and walk outside to examine the greenery I see it is loaded with lots of colorful and healthy weeds!

The lesson is not to be impressed with someone's social standing until you know where they stand. There is only one with whom we need be impressed and that is Jesus. Walking in His ways is best.


Psalm 49, 50 and 51