Who Are The Real Winners in Life?

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January 21st, 2012

The psalmist announces he is about to solve one of life’s greatest riddles (49:1-4). The wicked who prosper materially are not ultimately blessed, for they trust their wealth and die without hope.

Psalm 49 is about rich people. Ironically the “rich” people here are in reality “poor.” Money is the ruling factor in their lives. These are people who have possessions, and that is all they have. The psalm does not make being rich a sin. The sin lies in trusting in riches. It is not money that is the root of evil, but the inordinate love of it.

Psalm 49 gives a believer’s perspective for coping with such people. The wicked will not gain eternal life (v. 9). Although they may have power, it will only be during this life.

This passage forcefully illustrates the irrevocable biblical truth that riches are limited and cannot ward off death. No amount of money can save their souls (vv. 7-8).