The Sons of Korah, writers of Psalm 49, come at us like spider monkeys.

First, they clear up any confusion regarding those who trust in themselves, who enjoy great wealth in this world but lack basic understanding of eternal realities, by pointing out that:

Death will be their shepherd (Psalm 49:14).

Then, if that premonition of a skeletal chaperone isn’t bad enough, the psalmist goes on to remind us that we won’t take any of our splendid possessions with us when we pass on:

Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them (Psalm 49:16-17).

Which, of course, immediately reminds me of Gary Larson’s Far Side comic showing the panic occurring when someone actually does take their stuff with them.

As I read Psalm 49, another psalm comes to mind, its opening words arising from deep in my soul—The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23).

Which leaves me with a better thought—I will happily leave all my stuff behind, as long as I’m walking alongside the Good Shepherd when I step into the next world.

Psalm 49 in week thirty of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Jacob Mejicanos