Psalm 62: 9-12
“Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” vs. 10
Today’s psalm provides a window into the Judean culture of 2500 years ago and it’s amazing to see that folks then were driven by the same passions that inflame us. There was a common desire for riches and some used extortion and robbery as a means to wealth…not much different from 21st century America. Most of us yearn to be rich and some will use any means possible to achieve that goal. The psalmist doesn’t say money is bad…he seems to recognize that riches will increase for some. He simply tells his readers not to expect that their hearts will be satisfied by material accumulation. Of course we hear that message from Jesus too as he advises against “laying up treasure on earth.” For one reason or another though we have a tough time believing either Jesus or the psalmist. Year after year we fall for the old lie that money can bring happiness and new get-rich-quick schemes are always at hand. We love it when the stock market soars and enjoy double digit returns on investment. But those are the most dangerous times for people of faith. Wealth is a powerful god and it can take over lives. The psalmist is right: those who set their heart on increased riches are playing with fire. As scripture tells us in 1 Timothy, “The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Thought for the Day: How much income do I need to have a satisfying life?
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