It All Ends the Same for Everyone

S: Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Psalm 49:5-6

O: The psalmist is asking questions. He’s wondering about arrogant rich people who “boast...of their riches”, and have cheated him. He is in trouble, and feels surrounded by them. He later answers the question by contemplating the fate of the rich, who, despite their wealth, cannot buy their way out of death.

A: Could there be a more applicable set of questions for these times? We can all see that much of the trouble we have today is the result of powerful people who are arrogant in their riches. It’s not the fault of those who are humbled by God’s blessings and bounty, seeking the good of others, but it can be charged to their selfish counterparts who revel in their riches, caring little for anyone but themselves. There's clearly more important issues in life than how much I have, and how "comfortable" I am.

P: Is that me, Lord? I tend to look at others who have more than me and think I need to be where they are, but I am wealthy compared to most in this world. Please keep me from the arrogance of riches, and make me a cheerful giver!