“They trust in their wealth and boast about how rich they are, yet not one of them, though rich as kings, can ransom his own brother from the penalty of sin! For God’s forgiveness does not come that way. For a soul is far too precious to be ransomed by mere earthly wealth. There is not enough of it in all the earth to buy eternal life for just one soul, to keep it out of hell.” (vv.6-9)
There is no doubt that money can make one comfortable, provide material possessions, determine how one is treated, even elevate one’s status and power. But here in psalm 49 the psalmist tells us, no matter how rich a person is, one can’t purchase the redemption of his soul or his brother’s, for God’s forgiveness can not be purchased. Peter would write, “We are redeemed not by corruptible things like silver and gold, but by the precious blood of the lamb” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Therefore, do not put your trust in riches that will be consumed by others when you pass, but put your trust in the Lord who can keep your soul from hell. And while we can not take our money with us, we can share what God has given us to support His work while we are able.
The Truth: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)
