by Robert Fudge

10 For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. 12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah 14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah

Often those who attain much are wicked. Some would look at them and question the existence of God while others question his fairness and justice. Some are wealthy and seem to be good people, so some decide that this is proof of God and his blessings. Some have argued that material wealth is a sign of God’s approval of a person’s life. Even today we see this same idea being taught by some of the televangelists. The truth is that there are good people who have great material wealth while there are those who are very ungodly and have great material wealth.

As we study the Bible, we see this same principle. There were many wealthy but wicked people in the Old Testament. At the same time there are men like Job, Abraham, David, Solomon and others who were very wealthy but faithful, God-fearing people. We must understand that there are times that one’s wealth is given as a direct blessing from God for their faithfulness. Job 42:12 tells us that God is the one who gave Job his great wealth and it was tied directly to his faithfulness. But we also see very faithful men who were poor and even homeless (Jesus, to name just one). While the book of Job gives us a glimpse of some things going on behind the scenes between God and Satan, it does not fully explain why or how God reasons in every case.

The fact is that we don’t really need to know. There are several things that we do know that should help guide our lives. God is real and cares about his own. He is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. Along with the temptation, he will provide a way of escape. If we put him first in our lives, we have no reason to worry because he has promised to provide all our needs. (Not all our desires and wants – but all our needs.) Sometimes we see the short term but God is working for the longer term in our lives. What may seem the “end of the world” to us is only God getting us ready for his work. Consider the lives of Moses and Joseph as just 2 examples of this.

The conclusion is reached in verse 15, as in the end of Eccl.12:13-14 and Heb. 9:27; we all will die and face God in judgment. There is eternal life for those who faithfully serve him. He will take to himself those who are forgiven by the blood of Jesus. Remember, this life is short and temporary. We are not living for now but to be with God, eternally.

Dear God, help me to focus on the things above and the things that are unseen so that I don’t lose my way in this life. Give me strength, wisdom and faith to use wisely what you have given me, whether much or little. Fill my heart with gratitude for what I do have and keep me from being envious of those who seem to have more. I thank you God for the USA. Be with us today in electing new officials and give me wisdom to make the right choice in my vote. Help us as a country to want to honor you. In Jesus name I pray.

May God bless each of us as we trust him and live for him.