Read Psalm 49:1-13
The writer of this psalm certainly had the right attitude toward wealth. He warns, "Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him" (vv. 6,7). Money cannot take us to heaven, "for the redemption of their souls is costly" (v. 8). It cost the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! In fact, Jesus warned that money keeps some people out of heaven. "It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 19:23).
Not only can money not take us to heaven, but money cannot rescue us from death. "Their inner thought [the thoughts of these wealthy people] is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names" (v. 11). But, the psalmist says, these wealthy people will die just as animals die.
Money cannot conquer death, and money cannot go with us, but we can use it wisely while we have it. "For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless person perish, and leave their wealth to others" (v. 10).
The psalmist advises us not to trust in wealth but to trust in the Lord. It is not a sin to have the things that money can buy as long as you don't lose the things that money can't buy (eternal life). Don't have any false confidence that simply because the bank account looks good you're going to live. You can't take your money with you, but you can use it today for God's glory. When you do that, you are investing it in eternity. Make your wealth eternal by letting God direct your use of it.
Wealth can't be trusted. Although a powerful resource, its power is limited to this temporal world. It cannot get you into heaven or conquer death. Do you trust in the world's resources when you should be trusting in God?
Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group (bakerpublishinggroup.com). Used by permission. All rights to this material are reserved. Material is not to be reproduced, scanned, copied, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from Baker Publishing Group.