The Folly of Wealth
By Randell Tiongson on July 12th, 2009With permission from Steve Murrell, I am re-posting his blog. Very good read.
7 truths about wealth and wealthy people
by Steve Murrell
1. Salvation is not for sale, no matter how rich you are
Psalm 49:7-9 when it comes to redeeming a life, “no payment is ever enough”
2. Wealth is temporary
Psalm 49:10 everyone eventually dies “leaving their wealth to others”
3. All rich people die
Psalm 49:12 “Human beings, despite their wealth, do not endure”
4. We should not be impressed with or intimidated by wealth
Psalm 49:16 “do not be overawed when others grow rich…”
5. No U-hauls behind a hearse
Psalm 49:17 “they will take nothing with them when they die”
6. People pander to the rich
Psalm 49:18 “people praise you when you prosper”
7. Some people have money but live and die like animals
Psalm 49:20 “Human beings who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish”
Jesus warned that the “deceitfulness of riches” can “choke the word” in our lives. (Matt 13:22) Have you ever been deceived by riches and wealth?
Many people who are materially rich think they are intelligent because of their wealth. It may be the start of falling down; yet there were some who place them in the right perspective. They are conduit of God’s blessings to help others. Let’s be His channel for sharing our time, talent and resources, if any, to those who have less in lif.
Let us pray for rich people, for God has already marked them out. Mat 19:23 “…it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”, Mark 10:25 “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.”, Luke 1:53 “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”, Luke 6:24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”
Hello Randell! Thank you for sharing this. These insights reinforce what I recently read–Dr. Wayne Grudem’s “Business For the Glory of God.” I suppose you’ve read that; but in the remote possibility that you haven’t, I’d recommend it. (I personally think it would be good reading for Bernard Madoff and Celso de los Angeles…..)