What money cannot Buy

 Read Psalm 49. 

The psalmist was bothered by some people of wealth who had cheated him.  Evidently, they thought they could buy their way out of any difficulty.  Money had given them power. 

So, this song was written to provide a perspective of wisdom and understanding to life.  Money cannot buy and control everything.  Exhibit A is the end of life.  At that final moment, it will not matter who the person was or what they had accumulated.  Like all living things on earth death is certain. 

Therefore to build one's life on temporal values that one day will all be left behind is called "foolish confidence" (v.13 ESV).  In Hebrew that means stupidity, folly, silliness.  Why would anyone place their faith in things that will not last?  There is not a shred of wisdom in ignoring eternity and accountability to God! 

Wise people know better.  "But God" (v.15).  He stepped in and paid the price of our ransom from the captivity and bondage of sin.  "In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace..." (Ephesians 1:7) 

The root problem with all man-made, demonic inspired faith systems is pride.  Some put their faith in government.  Some choose to trust philosophies.  Some depend upon religious traditions.  All think they know better than the One who created them.  All of them willfully choose to ignore their sin problem and that one day they will stand before the LORD.  There will be no excuses then. 

Job reminds us, "Naked I came from my mother' womb, and naked shall I return."  Hebrews 9:27-"And just as it is appointed to die once, and after that comes judgment." 

We have this one life to do what is right and respond to God's love and forgiveness.