Conclusion - a psalm for hard times

 

Do not be overawed when others grow rich,

    when the splendor of their houses increases;
 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them.
 Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
    and people praise you when you prosper—
 they will join those who have gone before them,
    who will never again see the light of life. 

People who have wealth but lack understanding
    are like the beasts that perish. (v. 16-20)

Here at the end of the "psalm for hard times" the writer repeats his advice from earlier in the song. He tells us not to worry when those around us become rich or famous, because when they die, they are going to leave the world with the same amount as everyone else: nothing! 

He talks in verse eighteen about how the rich congratulate themselves on their success, much like the rich fool in Luke 12. He's really driving home the point that no matter how much money you pile up, no matter how much success you attain here on earth, you can't take it with you!

The point of the last verse is that we need to gain understanding so that we do not perish. 

Understanding of what?

Of our need to be right with God.

How do we gain understanding?

I gain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path. (Psalm 119:104)

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (II Timothy 2:7)

And how can we be right with God? Doing good deeds? Keeping certain rituals? Our Bible tells us it's faith in God that is important:

nevertheless, knowing that a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law; since by works of the Law no flesh will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; (Romans 10:9)

We know that we will all die. But we don't know when. Certainly we should live with the idea of spending eternity with our loving Savior!

Jesus told us:

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Invest in God's kingdom. Be rich toward God! 

We'll look at that concept next week . . . .