When A Man Grows Rich

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. (Psalm 49:16–20, NIV 1984). 

My Musings – The fact is, we do have a tendency to be in awe of the rich.  To envy them.  But death, as they say, is the great equalizer. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it…People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. (1 Timothy 6:6–7, 9, NIV 1984).  What kind of “ruin and destruction?” Potentially the worst kind — eternal ruin and destruction.   For as Jesus said, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24, NIV 1984).  But not impossible.  “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV 1984). 

“Ruin and destruction” is not the fate of all who are rich, only those “without understanding.” Without understanding of the grace of God.  The grace of God, through the Gospel of Christ.  In truth, this is the true equalizer.  Rich or poor, without Christ, eternal ruin and destruction.  In Christ, rich or poor, eternal life and salvation.  As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between [rich and poor]—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:10–13, NIV 1984).  E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E.

My Advice – Want true riches?  Trust in Jesus as your Savior.  Because, “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, NIV 1984).  Do not trade temporal riches for the rich blessing of being found in Him.  “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NIV 1984).  What indeed?  There is not enough riches in the world to buy the salvation that bankrupted Heaven and is offered for free.

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing