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honor is not enough
Psalm 49:16-20 (JDV)
Psalm 49:16 Do not be afraid when a person gets rich, when the wealth of his house increases
Psalm 49:17 because when he dies, he will take nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down.
Psalm 49:18 Though he empowers himself during his lifetime – and you are praised when you do well for yourself –
Psalm 49:19 he will go to the generation of his fathers; they will never see the light.
Psalm 49:20 Adam, with his honor but without understanding, is like the animals that perish.
honor is not enough
This psalm concludes with a warning to believers to not fear when those unbelievers around them start to gain praise and honor. The tendency is to ask yourself what you are doing wrong if the same honor and praise is not coming to you. The first two sections of the psalm declared that riches and wisdom are not enough, since everyone dies in the end. Now, the psalmist says the same thing about honor. It is fleeting, because we are mortal.
Just keep in mind that everyone in this life is temporary, and you will be able to rejoice when anyone achieves anything. But remember that the best wealth, wisdom, praise and honor is yet to come. Our status in this life does not count, because it will not last.
Lord, thank you for a significance in Christ that will outlast our present status, whatever it is.
