Passage To Study:

Ps. 49:12-20

[12] Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain;
He is like the beasts that perish.
[13] This is the way of those who are foolish,
And of their posterity who approve their sayings. 
Selah

[14] Like sheep they are laid in the grave;
Death shall feed on them;
The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning;
And their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling.
[15] But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave,
For He shall receive me. 
Selah

[16] Do not be afraid when one becomes rich,
When the glory of his house is increased;
[17] For when he dies he shall carry nothing away;
His glory shall not descend after him.
[18] Though while he lives he blesses himself
(For men will praise you when you do well for yourself),
[19] He shall go to the generation of his fathers;
They shall never see light.
[20] A man who is in honor, yet does not understand,
Is like the beasts that perish.

Flow of the Passage:

• (Verse 12-13) - The end result of the foolish and their posterity.

• (Verse 14) - The end state of the wicked rich.

• (Verse 15) - The end state of the redeemed.

• (Verse 16-19) - The real destiny of the wicked rich.

• (Verse 20) - God's opinion of the wicked rich.

What Do I Think About It?

(Verse 12-13) - Ultimately, the fate of the wicked rich is the same as everyone else. The contrast is that they live and think as if they were different. This section concludes the line of thought begun earlier. The wicked rich have convinced themselves that it will be different in their case. Yet, reality is that they will suffer the some fate as all men.

(Verse 14) - In very poetic style the end state of the wicked rich is laid out for us. It could not be more different than either they lived while alive or envisioned for themselves after death.

(Verse 15) - Contrasted with this is the destiny of the redeemed. It is interesting that it is not described in terms of possessions, power or comfort but, rather, in terms of being present with and received by God.

(Verse 16-19) - These summary verses apply what has been said to the concept introduced at the beginning of the Psalm. As always, the Scripture is concerned that there be a practical application to the concepts put forward in teaching. What the Word proclaims must make a difference in our lives.

(Verse 20) - How different than the ''normal" view of how God views man this is! He looks at the wicked rich as beasts! The honor of the world not-withstanding, God is concerned that men understand (and that they do with that (understanding) and whether or not they ever do is all that ultimately matters. No one notices when the beast of the field dies. It is an insignificant thing that makes no big impact on the greater scheme of things. Of course, this is over-statement, but it certainly gets the point across.

What Difference Does This Make To  Me?

As we noted before, succumbing to the lure of paying special homage to the rich because of their status is both common and subtle. I must take care that I do not ''fear" the rich. I can do this by remembering what their real state is, as well as what their ultimate destiny is.

Is There Anything For Me To Do?

Be sure that I am indeed leading this passage's advice. I should take steps to be sure that I am not giving undue place to the rich. I must think of them properly and be sure that I respond Biblically to them.

The End of the Wicked Rich