In the Perils of Prosperity is an ironic forecast from an economic expert, a man from Yale University named Irving Fisher. When asked about the future of the stock market as it related to the condition of the American economy, Fisher confidently boasted, “Stock prices have preached what looks like a permanently high plateau.” What is so ironic about that? He spoke these words a mere two weeks before the famed stock market crash of October 1929. The result of that was a decade of financial woe commonly called “The Great Depression.”
David, though a wealthy man in his own right, underscores the foolishness of trusting in finances over the Father in Psalm 49. The focus of his inspired thoughts are “those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches” (6). What of them? David reminds them–and us–of the limitations and frivolity of those who put their faith in earthly wealth.
THEY CANNOT REDEEM THEIR FELLOWMEN WITH THINGS (7). This is certainly not to say that money cannot be used for accomplishing the salvation of souls (cf. Matt. 28:18-20). What does it mean? It is the attitude that says, “I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17). David reminds us, “none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him–for the redemption of their souls is costly.” Indeed! Christ was the price of ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:6). No less can redeem the everlasting souls of men (Ti. 2:14).
THEY CANNOT TAKE IT WITH THEM (10). Mankind mistakenly thinks that the empire of his personal wealth will always stand, and that he will always be the curator of his museum of material things. No! Wise man and fool alike die. What happens to their wealth? It is left to others. Ibsen said, “Building one’s life on a foundation of gold is just like building a house on foundations of sand” (cf. Matt. 7:24-27).
THEY ARE BETRAYED BY THEIR VANITY (11). “Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever, their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands by their own names.” The rich farmer was duped by his possessions. When he looked into his future, he saw only good times and great prosperity (Lk. 12:19). He never considered that it might be taken from him at any moment (Lk. 12:20). An inordinate pursuit of material things is vanity (Ecc. 4:4).
THEY CANNOT BUY MORE TIME (12). Regardless of a man’s “net worth,” he “does not remain.” Life is as much a vapor for the rich as it is the poor (Js. 4:14). Paul says, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:17-19).
Spiritually, man is even more foolish than Fisher who boasts of riches as his Savior. By God’s Holy Spirit, David was moved to warn us of the foolishness of materialism. May we truly listen!