SLOW SUMMER DAYS &
SWEET SUMMER NIGHTS
ARE FADING INTO FALL,
AND WE CLOSE OUR SERIES ON THE PSALMS OF THE SONS OF KORAH
WITH AN INTRIGUING CHANGE IN TONE:
FROM WORSHIP TO WISDOM,
FOR IMPORTANT THINGS ARE SAID WHEN TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
PSALM 49 OPENS LIKE PROVERBS,
WITH A CRY TO ALL:
WE REMEMBER THAT THE SONS OF KORAH
SAW THEIR FATHERS,
WHO TRUSTED IN THEMSELVES,
SWALLOWED UP BY THE EARTH.
NOW THEY DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO
SONGS OF WORSHIP,
TO SINGING ABOUT
WHAT MATTERS MOST.
TO PREPARE YOUR HEART FOR A RICH STUDY, LISTEN TO THIS:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc-y7jVCh5A
On a personal note, I think you did tremendously last week with Augustine and the City of God. There were great questions, thoughtful “listening,” and together we grew. I’m so thankful for the fellowship here. On a side note, this weekend and Tuesday Dr. Dobson is re-airing my first interview (in two parts) with him, done thirty years ago on my book The Friendships of Women. I love that man, and I credit him with opening doors for me, and I am still amazed he did. I sound like a child in the interview, and in fact, I was. I was scared but Steve was there cheering me on and praying. If you want to listen, here are the links. You can listen today (I think) but surely Monday and Tuesday.
Monday, Sep 5th: http://www.drjamesdobson.org/B
SUNDAY:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
MONDAY-FRIDAY BIBLE STUDY‘
It’s a holiday week, so I will keep this short, without a sermon, so you can keep up. This psalm is an intriguing mix, feeling more like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job than the psalms — a wisdom psalm about the folly of trusting in ourselves, in our riches — and instead fully resting in God. We will glean together and prepare our hearts for a new year, for it often seems September is as much a fresh start as January.
What I find fascinating about this psalm is the link between fear and materialism. When we accumulate that which we do not need, the sin beneath the sin is an idol that lies to us, telling us our security is in things instead of God. And what happens is that our closets and cupboards and counters overflow with cumber, decreasing our joy and efficiency. It is not that we need these things, but that we afraid to let them go and trust God. But there is a freedom when cumber goes, and a beauty in simplicity. We may be working for that which we do not need, clinging to that which we shall lose, and losing that which we could keep forever.
2. Read Psalm 49 in its entirety for an overview. What quickens you and why?
3. The repeated phrase in verses 12 and 20 is the heart of the psalm. What is it and
what does it say, in your own words?
4. Read Psalm 49:1-6
A. To whom is this psalm speaking? (1-4)
B. What should we not trust in and why, according to verses 5-6?
C. What similarity do you see between this opening and the opening of proverbs?
What is the tone, the plea, the importance?
5. Read Psalm 49:7-14
A. Find at least four reasons why it is folly to trust in wealth and put so much
energy into it.
B. How do verses 7-8 speak against the religious practice of indulgences?
C. In many ways this psalm sounds like the dismal voice of Ecclesiastes (3:9).
Yet there is a sure hope in verse 15. Find the similarity to Ecclesiastes and the
difference.
6. Read Psalm 49:16-20 and list the final warnings about riches.
7. Have you experienced the beauty of simplicity — of more with less? If so, share.
8. As you look ahead to the fresh start of fall, how might you take these warnings to
heart and plan for a fruitful fall?
SATURDAY:
9. As you look back on these seven Psalms of the sons of Korah — what do you think
you will remember and why? Did knowing they were written or sung by these sons
make a difference in how you viewed them?
81 comments
What stood out to you and why?
First, what a rare treat indeed to hear the special rendition of Psalm 49 in music! Thanks for finding and sharing it, Dee.
Praise in Psalm 48 brings to perspective the realities of life (what wealth can do) in Psalm 49 here on earth. Once I focus on the enduring city of God (Psalm 48), I can read Psalm 49 with eyes and heart of understanding and peace of what is transpiring in the city of man. It is not wealth that brings spiritual demise to the wealthy and the rich. It is where their hearts are focused on “people who are deceivers- those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches…who have wealth…who put their trust in themselves… but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.”
Bing – I love how you have kicked this week’s comments off by building a bridge between Psalm 48 &49. Well done! I think you are on to something here and I’m keeping that in mind as I go to read Psalm 49 right now. 🙂 Great beginning for us all!
Bing — I agree with Jackie — great start!
Bing–so good: ” It is not wealth that brings spiritual demise to the wealthy and the rich. It is where their hearts are focused”
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I think the timeliness of this psalm, its relevance to our lives. Sometimes I’m still surprised at how applicable God’s Word always is to our “today”. We cannot escape its penetrating truths.
2. Read Psalm 49 in its entirety for an overview. What quickens you and why?
Kind of surprised me, by what stood out most was v.7-8 “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, 8 for the ransom of their life is costly…”
One, we are reminded that we can’t save each other. I remember years ago explaining to my daughter that just because I am a Christian, and they are growing up going to Church—that does not grant them salvation—and this surprised her. Of course, sometimes I wish it were true, but I know I cannot “ransom” another life. And the stronger truth here for me, is the costliness of the ransom. Only Christ could be appointed as ransom.
3. The repeated phrase in verses 12 and 20 is the heart of the psalm. What is it and what does it say, in your own words?
“Man with his pomp…will perish”. When we trust in the material blessings we have here on earth, that is all we have. We may be able to stand on its foundation for a time, it may bring some temporal sense of security. But that is all we get—whatever temporal pleasure it provides.There is no eternal security. All of it dissolves in the face of eternity. When we see with eternal perspective, I see the futility of trusting in material pleasures.
Lizzy — love your comment on the timelessness — to me that is such an evidence of Divine inspiration. And great opening to the study.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Now that we are bidding farewell to the Psalms of the sons of Korah I found myself pondering them again…..whether they actually wrote these Psalms or the Psalms were written FOR them (perhaps even more poignant!), their family legacy is “complicated” to put it mildly. The rebellion of Korah was no small thing in the eyes of our Holy God….Jesus’ earthly brother Jude lumps Korah in with Cain and Balaam in Jude 11….it is a sobering warning and an enduring one. And yet….the great prophet Samuel, who annointed King David, was a son of Korah! And here these sons of Korah were given by God the responsibility of leading the praise and worship of true believers! How impossible for us to fathom the great GRACE of our God! Though the warning endures, so too does the legacy of His lavish outpouring of mercy upon this family line!! It just makes me want to dance!
Another standout for me: I am thrilled to get this chance to go back and hear you speaking with Dr. Dobson about your book The Friendships of Women, Dee! I was reflecting that I wasn’t even a believer yet when you did this interview….and yet, a few short years later I was blessed to be a part of that study (The Friendships of Women) at my church. Out of that study group came one of the very best friendships of my entire life….my longtime soul friend and prayer partner Mary Lynn! How rich it is to remember.
I didn’t know Samuel was a son of Korah! Wow! How did you find that out?
How amazing God has led us together, Jackie — what a fun history!
Dee– I came across the Samuel information in several different places…..a lot of Jewish history sources seem to accept this as a fact. Here is an interesting article that I saved (the only one I think I did save on the sons of Korah): https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/the-sons-of-korah/ It does seem pretty clear from the geneology found in 1Chronicles 6:22-27 ….. ? Please correct me if you find that Tim Keller or John Macarthur or someone along that line discounts this!
I also love that Samuel’s grandson Heman was appointed by David as a chief singer….and also continued with Solomon after the building of the temple! Lots of references to him in the Chronicles (2 Chronicles 35:15 sorta wraps it up!). Also, Psalm 88 is called “A Psalm of Heman”……so many threads….so fascinating!
Jackie, thAnks for the further info on Samuel and Heman…..So interesting….brings technologies in the Bible to life!
Jackie-love to hear the history of how God gave you that special friend out of The Friendships study. 🙂
bummer-I just spent time on my comment and went to enter and my computer decided to shut down and update software. 🙂 So it went away-but God knows. :))
: ( But yes, God knows!
Psalm 49:10-12 is a great reminder to me that all men die regardless of their status in this life. Their wealth is left to others, their tombs remain their homes and their riches do not help them endure. This paired with the Nick Needham talk on the 2 cities is causing me to evaluate whether I spend a little too much time on HGTV. 🙂 I want my home to be warm, welcoming and a retreat for those who enter, but sometimes I get a little too caught up in decorating and how my home looks. God has convicted me that there needs to be a balance in decorating as my home truly is in heaven.
Also, I loved the Dobson interviews, Dee! We moved 20 times in the first 36 years of our marriage. We have been married 39 years and I am not aware of an imminent move…yay! The loneliness issue has been a big part of my life. What you said about praying for a friend is so true and it often ended up being someone very unexpected and wonderful! My hubby was in the Navy for 20 of those years and some of my closest friends are from those Navy days. God is continuing to provide amazing friends in this place we now call home.
20 moves in 36 years must have taught you how to make friends! Wow!
It did, but with one of our moves I did not want to make a single friend, I was tired of saying “good bye” and just wanted to isolated. God really had to work on my heart and shake up my world a bit. It was during that time frame that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There were so many women that went out of their way to be a support to me. God showed me isolation was not His plan for me. I grew a ton during that time and am so grateful for every part of it and for the women who gathered around me. I am still in touch with some of them today and that was 14 years ago and many moves later.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
Love the jazzy version of Psalm 49! You made me go want to listen to smooth jazz since I haven’t heard it in a long time ?
1. What stands out from the above and why?
Your interview with Dr. Dobson. What a heartening thing to listen to today, Dee. I laughed and I cried. Loved the tennis analogy you gave regarding the difference between communicating with women and men, where you quoted another woman saying, “Sometimes talking to a man is like playing tennis with no one in the other court.” How we need someone with an empathetic heart to respond to us. Thank you for the way this interview encourages us to take a risk and take the initiative to be a friend. And I loved the reminder that it is unhealthy to expect/demand that our husbands respond in a sympathetic way.
Yesterday, when I was feeling particularly sad about my dad’s decline with alzheimers, I needed an understanding and empathetic friend. I called my sister, Kelly, and we cried together. Somehow, the load was lightened.
When we were in our early married years and just starting a family, I lived near my mom and would get together with her and my sister and other friends and can and freeze our garden produce every fall. We got together and helped each other with our babies. We worked together and I miss that now. The camaraderie of working together truly binds us together.
I have been in a weekly bible study in our city for the past five years. I’ve often thought that as wonderful as the fellowship is, I want more. I want to be in each other’s homes, helping fold laundry or paint a wall or do dishes.
I am a weekend staff person at our Ronald McDonald House where we host families with hospitalized children. Some of the best conversations that I have there are in the kitchen preparing a meal with strangers and talking about life while we work. Its a small taste of sharing each others worlds and offering a sympathizing tear
Bind us together , Lord…….. Sara Groves says it well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcYFtihSg_8
How encouraging you are, Nila! And I love that Sara Groves song!
Oh Nila – you are plucking on my heartstrings with this entire entry! You have articulated SO WELL what so many of us women have a deep longing for….and at least in certain seasons, are so enriched to have in our lives. As an introvert with a deeply private, independent spirit, the Lord has had to do many, many deep works of the soul in my life to actually bring me to that point! But he has graced my life with women who have kicked down the doors and slipped in through the windows…..(yes, Jestina, a major shout out to YOU here!!)….and I am forever grateful…..Your entry here is lovely and well spoken! Thank you, friend.
1. What stood out from the intro. “Important things are said when time is running out”. If we know they are important, why don’t we say them more and often?? I know I don’t share more with non believers because while it is important to God and should be important to me, I am full of selfishness and pride. I don’t care enough to risk. I say that to my shame.
2. Verse 5 quickens – why should I fear when evil days come? I believe that evil days are coming, and in some ways are already here (calling good evil and evil good. Isaiah 5:20). Generally I think it will get much worse. Looking for when the other ‘half’ of the verse shows up, got to v15. While all men die, God will redeem me from the grave and take me to be with Him. So why should I fear? I need to be prepared, but not full of fear.
So good — no need to be fearful!
I was blessed and encouraged by the reading of this Psalm 49 tonight. All of the things that we live for and cause us the most stress are only temporary – our houses, our beauty, our accomplishments. And it is so healthy to be reminded of this – what a de-stressor. I keep telling myself, “This is just Earth” Oh, to live for another world, our eternal Home. I thought of I John 2:17 and wish to have it emblazoned on my heart, “The world passes away, and the lusts thereof, but he that does the will of God abides forever.” How appropriate to encapsulate the message of this Psalm. Thank you for this study, Dee, and thank you so much, dear sisters, for your fellowship in this race of life.
Miriam == so good to have you here — just — a de-stressor! Love that.
2. Read Psalm 49 in its entirety for an overview. What quickens you and why?
First of all-I am looking forward to hearing Dee today!
The contrast of foolish confidence in wealth and man’s love and approval vs confidence in God-His Love and approval stood out to me, maybe because it goes with Matthew 20: 29-34 and our sermon yesterday. The blind men’s (outcasts) confidence in Jesus mercy and love for them vs the pharisees and those around them’s confidence in man. Jesus gave the blind men not only their physical sight but spiritual eyes to see.
I see in Psalm 49 that Verse 13 and Verse 15 contrast each other. Man’s confidence in his wealth and desire for man’s approval-all goes away when he dies. The crux-Death will be their shepherd whereas HE will be ours and we with Him will rule over them. What a contrast. Our confidence in God in His Love and mercy on us. When we die He receives us. We have his approval, rest in that-why go out like a camel in heat desiring man’s approval with what we achieve, have and do here? This is common, culturally here-we are entrenched in it. I even see my own wretched heart wanting man’s approval with my mothering and with my boys-at school, at church, from my family of accomplished athletes and artists.
God is SO working on my heart in that. I have to say while I hate where my oldest 2 are at spiritually, I am glad because God exposed some weeds in my heart and out of that He has made me confident in HIM wooing hearts-HIS love and mercy draws hearts-not me and so He freed me. It is still painful but the joy is resting in Him with my boys’ hearts. He knows what He is doing and knows what it will take for them. I want sons who are wheat not tares-and I want them to want HIM, not to want Him for what he can give them-and I have been praying for that for them. So He may just be answering my prayer but in His upside down way. 🙂
2. Read Psalm 49 in its entirety for an overview. What quickens you and why?
Despite the emphasis on the wealth accumulating populace, this psalm is addressing both high and low, rich and poor. One does not have to be rich materially to engage in the pursuit of self-trust. (v.13) Whatever I own are riches to some degree. As long as I put my trust in them, I will not be “redeemed from the realm of the dead and not taken to himself”. V. 16-17
3. The repeated phrase in verses 12 and 20 is the heart of the psalm. What is it and
What does it say, in your own words?
No amount of wealth can make man endure or prevent the inevitability of death. The beasts of the earth don’t even “work” towards enduring but the wealthy man who lacks understanding is on even ground with them when it comes to death. What a humbling thought!
Bing, LOVE your paraphrase of the verse! Being on equal footing with the beasts!
2. Read Psalm 49 in its entirety for an overview. What quickens you and why?
I suppose the broad idea that you can’t take “stuff” with you when you die is what quickens me. This became very apparent when my mom died a few years ago. She was a pauper, but had the house items that we all grew up with (dishes, paintings, etc.) that we all knew and loved. The memories were familiar and my sister and brother and I all came together after she passed to decide who got what. It was nice to be together, and we actually had fun reminiscing (?) about old times. It did make me think about “stuff” though…having too much and such. This talk makes me want to sell my house even more and move somewhere small and quiet.
The canonizing of Mother Teresa yesterday also made me think about having little to nothing (as she most likely did) also. She was always seen in the white and blue robes of her parish (?), no make up, basic shoes, etc. I’m sure she lived at the parish, right? So, she didn’t own a home? I don’t really know a lot about her. Makes me feel guilty that I have so much stuff.
3. The repeated phrase in verses 12 and 20 is the heart of the psalm. What is it and
what does it say, in your own words?
It basically says that we will die and it won’t matter that we have stuff (pomp). We will die like beasts who have only their carcasses.
a side note: Just listened to part 1 of The Friendships of Women..Dee you did amazing and I was encouraged. 🙂 See what I told you???? He moves, He moves, He moves. I see how I am putting pressure on my husband to meet the relational needs only trusted women friends can help with. I also see how I need to plan more face time with my women friends.
4. Read Psalm 49:1-6 A. To whom is this psalm speaking? (1-4)
To all men, himself included. The “high and low”, the rich and poor, and v.s 4, he includes himself. This is wisdom, not from him, but from God, and applies to all.
B. What should we not trust in and why, according to verses 5-6?
We cannot trust our wealth or the abundance of riches.
C. What similarity do you see between this opening and the opening of proverbs? What is the tone, the plea, the importance?
A plea to listen, to open our ears to wisdom from God; instruction that is applicable to, needed by all.
We sang this yesterday, and as I read Psalm 49, it seems to fit–for whether I have put my trust in material wealth, or my own pride–the futility of it all, makes me cry “no more my God…what was my gain I count my loss…and nail my glory to his cross.
https://youtu.be/r3Iqe_I_N10
I Boast No More Words: Isaac Watts | Music: Sandra McCracken
No more my God, I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done;
I quit the hopes I held before,
To trust the merits of thy Son.
No more my God, no more my God,
No more my God, I boast no more.
Now for the loss I bear his name;
What was my gain I count my loss.
My former pride I call my shame,
And nail my glory to his cross. Refrain
Yes and I must and will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus’ sake;
O may my soul be found in him,
And of his righteousness partake! Refrain
The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before thy throne;
But faith can answer thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done.
Lizzy – I LOVE this song and had forgotten all about it! Thank you so much for bringing it to us…..makes me a little sad to see that Sandra McCracken wrote it as I first heard it and learned it from listening to Caedman’s Call. 🙁 But oh….how theologically RICH this piece remains! I”m going to be singing this tonight. 🙂 (songs like this are what I was struck with in verse 4 of Psalms 49!)
oops! she just wrote the music, not the lyrics! All good though….. 😉
Perfect song for Psalm 49.
2. Read Psalm 49 in its entirety for an overview? What quickens you and why?
First of all, I am just drinking in all of the wonderful responses to this question! Obviously, this Psalm has struck a deep chord within our little fellowship as to the need to look carefully at how we view material goods and worldly “success” in light of eternity. Rich, rich!!
But what actually quickened me at the first reading…..as well as the next….was v. 4. “I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.” My son Patrick had been here Saturday night and we were having a lively discussion of a Wendall Berry book we both had recently read….and then turned to music and I listened to some of what Patrick had been listening to of late….lovely, lovely music. Mournful though. And it struck me that this is what humanity has been doing as long as we know….trying hard to “solve my riddle to the music of the lyre….”. And much of the music of the ages sounds a lot like Ecclesiastes! “Meaningless, meaningless, all is meaningless!”…..But here in v. 4 is the KEY – “I will incline my ear to a proverb…..”….isn’t that what is missing in the music of the world so often? Listening…to wisdom….to God. But, oh, WHAT A DIFFERENCE this listening to the Lord, to His Word makes in the music!! Such music truly DOES lead us to solve our riddles….or to be at peace with our riddles! I think of our own Nila…..walking through some deep, dark valleys…guitar in hand…tears on her cheeks…..voice raised to our Father in song. Precious. Or the music of Audrey Assad whom Dee has introduced us to here…..and the untold numbers of hymn writers and others who lead us to solve our riddles to the music of the Lord….and how He delights in such music!! 🙂
3. V12&20 man, despite his riches dozen not endure; he is like the beasts that perish, and the last phrase is repeated in 20. In my words, the natural man without Christ dies eternally. But I like Bing’s a lot better.
4. What should we not trust in…specially money, but I think it could be expanded to wealth of any kind- physical attributes, popularity, talents, skills.
Mary B – I appreciate how you amplified wealth to include much of what we would consider “success”…..those things in life that take our eyes off the eternal….and that we, even in the church, challenge each other to chase. I think of how many families – or partial families – are missing from Sunday morning worship service across this country every week because we are SADLY teaching our children to chase success in sports endeavors of one kind or another. How it must grieve the heart of God. 🙁
3. The repeated phrase in verses 12 and 20 is the heart of the psalm. What is it and what does it say, in your own words?
In my ESV the phrase is “he is like the beasts that perish”. I guess most of us here realize by now how very dear to me are the beasts that perish – especially the horses and the dogs! They have been the warp and woof of my work life from the cradle, probably to the grave. Nonetheless, I never mistake them for my family, my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ…..they are indeed “beasts”! They have very little capacity (none?) to live for things unseen….they live in the world of the seen! Just like those without Christ, sadly.
Growing up, in my little country church, there was this first part of Proverbs 29:18 on the wall behind the pulpit: “Where there is no vision the people perish”. Though I was not a believer growing up….boy oh boy did that verse ever lodge itself in my memory! And I guess that would be my restatement of Psalm 49:12 and 20…..”vision” or faith….without it, people will perish, just like the beasts. Without grounding faith that fuels vision, people WILL be drawn to desire “pomp” – boasting and trying to attract notice or attention. More importantly, Jesus restated this thought in so many different ways – one of which is haunting: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Love your perspective as an animal lover, and typing the vision verse to this, Jackie.
4. Read Psalm 49:1-6
A. To whom is this psalm speaking? (1-4)
This Psalm is for all people; everyone.
B. What should we not trust in and why, according to verses 5-6?
We should not trust in our wealth because it is of man.
C. What similarity do you see between this opening and the opening of proverbs?
Do you mean Proverbs 1? In this Psalm the writer is speaking to everyone. In Proverbs 1, the writer is speaking first to anyone who reads to gain knowledge, and then to children of a mother and father; more specifically, a son.
Both the Psalm and the Proverb speak of gaining wisdom.
What is the tone, the plea, the importance?
The tone in this Psalm is urgent. People need to listen NOW.
3. The repeated phrase in verses 12 and 20 is the heart of the psalm. What is it and what does it say, in your own words?
Here is what I got but I may be way off. It seems there is a difference in the two verses. People regardless of their wealth will perish and people who have wealth but lack understanding will perish.
I think that even the poor can obsess over wealth and an envious heart can make a heart cold toward him. I think whether you have wealth and cling to it or if you don’t and live your life striving to obtain it or hating those who have it then both hearts are in the same place-trusting in wealth and not God. I think the point is-don’t put our trust and hope in wealth-whether striving to be comfortable or whether you are comfortable-don’t cling to it.
Good point that this affects poor and rich alike. Kidner mentioned that “ransom” was a good illustration for the rich, for it is proof that riches can cause real trouble for them.
oooooohhh…yes..”ransom” being a good illustration for the rich. This illumines v.7-9!
Rebecca – I think you have hit the nail on the head!! Your second paragraph…..SO true!!! (Reminds me of a wonderful, convicting book entitled “The Envy of Eve” by Melissa Krueger ….who I think Lizzy knows personally! 🙂 )
Rebecca, your expansion of the making of the word, wealth is giving me a lot to ponder this morning…thank you!
4. Read Psalm 49:1-6
A. To whom is this psalm speaking? (1-4)
Rich and poor-high and low-all of us. Oh I didn’t see this the first time!
B. What should we not trust in and why, according to verses 5-6?
We shouldn’t fear when we have no riches and others do when they boast in it as if they will live because of their wealth and we won’t. wealth can’t redeem us, it won’t salve the longing in our hearts for redemption-for no one can give God a ransom for the life of another, and no one but Jesus can redeem us.
C. What similarity do you see between this opening and the opening of proverbs?
What is the tone, the plea, the importance?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. It is the opposite of fearing evil in Psalm 49. To be in awe of Him first. He opens our eyes to understanding with His Spirit. The foolish who are described in Psalm 49 will not listen to Him, and we too can quench the Holy Spirit when we are stubborn and won’t listen-when we are in bed with an idol.
Dee, I got a chance to listen to the first half of your interview. Gives me more encouragement to try harder in the making of friends.
7. The freedome of simplicity. There was a time when I paced at night, concerned about ‘stuff’. Having since been involved in emptying out 4.5 households, I’ve come to realize that everything I own is just stuff. Someday others will pick through it, question why I had it, divide it up between them, and throw away most of it. The Bible says in Prov 13:8 that the rich lie awake with worry, but the poor hear no threat. The less you own, the less it can own you. These days, we say that for everything that comes into the house, something else needs to go out. I look forward to continuing to be ruthless in getting rid of stuff.
Mary, I agree about purging stuff. I have been doing that and after this study I hope to be more ruthless in purging. It is so freeing to get rid of stuff and even end up being such a blessing to others who need it.
OH MARY YES! Going through my parents’ things was sad and eye-opening. They had been to every continent and there were treasures that I just didn’t know what to do with — it was a reality check!
5. Read Psalm 49:7-14
A. Find at least four reasons why it is folly to trust in wealth and put so much energy into it.
We are held “hostage” by all of our “stuff.” Paying the ransom is too costly and we still will die.
The wise, foolish, and stupid all die and leave their things to others.
The land might have been called by their name, but they lie in the grave on it after death so it doesn’t matter.
The beasts have nothing in life, and humans and beasts both die alike; with nothing.
Verse 14 is kind of confusing to me. Is it saying that because someone has wealth (or things) in this life, they automatically are positioned to go to hell? Our only hope is that God will pay the ransom for our souls?
Good question. We don’t go to hell because we are rich or poor, but because we are all going to hell without a Savior who will ransom our soul. Thanks God we have Jesus who has done that.
5 B. How do verses 7-8 speak against the religious practice of indulgences?
You will never have enough stuff to make up for death. The two are not equitable. By “religious practice” do you mean collecting the wealth as being religious (“I religiously collected stuff”) or do you mean religious as in being religious with respect to God (“I need a new bible, cross wall hanging, etc.”) to me “religious practice” and “indulgences” are an oxymoron. Not understanding.
C. In many ways this psalm sounds like the dismal voice of Ecclesiastes (3:9). Yet there is a sure hope in verse 15. Find the similarity to Ecclesiastes and the difference.
Ecclesiastes says we work but never gain anything; just lose it in the end. The Psalm says they same thing.
The Psalm says that God will save my soul!
I was thinking of the practice, for example, of indulgences — when Catholics were asked to pay the priest to help their loved ones get out of purgatory. The Mormons “get baptized for the dead” to help them. And there are other twisted practices.
Oh!!! Now I get it! I am not really familiar with either of those practices, or others for that matter.
5B) How do verses 7-8 speak against the religious practices of indulgences?
I thought back to the time of Martin Luther with this question. He went against the Catholic practice/belief in his time of paying money to the Catholic church in order to purchase an exemption from punishment to certain types of sin . I think it may have eventually involved getting solid out of purgatory, but I could ve th we’ll be incorrect in this are regarding purgatory. Hopefully I am remembering at practice correctly…..I took church history in high school and well, that was ages ago!!! Anyhow, these verses say that no man can buy or redeem a person’s life with money…no amount of money can buy redemption. I do like your thoughts, Laura that indulgences could be indulging in mew or the latest Bible or Christian icon to feel more religious…That kind of puts a modern day perspective on these verses.
Oh Sue — I should have read this first — you already had answered Laura’s question!
That is no problem, Dee. I am glad you answered as I was not familiar with the Mormon practice you mentioned. I learned something new. Thank you!!
I looked it up (indulgence) because I wasn’t sure. From what I found, in part, it also means that they pray for mercy from the punishment or consequence of a sin-but then there is more to it as you both have mentioned. When I have time i want to find out more.
5. Read Psalm 49:7-14
A. Find at least four reasons why it is folly to trust in wealth and put so much energy into it.
Wealth can’t ransom your soul and give you eternal life with Him!
Their wealth will not go with them when they die-it will go to a relative but not stay with them so why make it their life?
trusting in wealth and their image of success and pride is folly because in reality the lavish land and homes they take pride in-they won’t dwell there after they die and in the grave there is no pomp and vain glory to be fed by man’s approval.
They may rule here in their wealth and pomp but after they die death will be their shepherd and their form will be consumed in sheol.
B. How do verses 7-8 speak against the religious practice of indulgences?
We can’t give to God the price of our life, or work to ransom our lives-it will never suffice for He gave His life to ransom ours.
C. In many ways this psalm sounds like the dismal voice of Ecclesiastes (3:9).Yet there is a sure hope in verse 15. Find the similarity to Ecclesiastes and the difference.
The similarity is “What can man gain by his toil?” Wealth? Yes but it is a dead stick compared to Christ, and there is no gain for man perishes and his pomp and wealth don’t go with him-His grave will be his home and there will be no ransom for him. Yet in Psalm 49: 15 God will ransom my soul from the grave and receive me-so the grave won’t be my home. In Ecclesiastes 3:14-What God does endures forever, nothing can be added to it or taken away from it for God has done it. There is a huge contrast here between trusting in our work-our wealth which doesn’t endure forever and trusting and resting in God for He endures forever and what He has done endures forever!
Rebecca — so good how you really dig into the verses!
4. Read Psalm 49:1-6 A. To whom is this psalm speaking? (1-4)
To all men, himself included. The “high and low”, the rich and poor, and v.s 4, he includes himself. This is wisdom, not from him, but from God, and applies to all.
B. What should we not trust in and why, according to verses 5-6?
We cannot trust our wealth or the abundance of riches.
C. What similarity do you see between this opening and the opening of proverbs? What is the tone, the plea, the importance?
A plea to listen, to open our ears to wisdom from God; instruction that is applicable to, needed by all.
5. Read Psalm 49:7-14 A. Find at least four reasons why it is folly to trust in wealth and put so much energy into it.
We can’t save ourselves, and we cannot save others with money—it has no eternal value, and our ransom is far greater than we could ever pay (v.7).
No one escapes death—money does not prevent it, and provides no comfort after death (v.10).
Trusting in money is ultimate foolishness–it leads to eternal death. Only trusting in Christ gives eternal life (v.12).
B. How do verses 7-8 speak against the religious practice of indulgences?
Our amount of giving does not earn us more “points” or favor with God—the cost is far greater than we could ever pay. Money cannot save.
C. In many ways this psalm sounds like the dismal voice of Ecclesiastes (3:9). Yet there is a sure hope in verse 15. Find the similarity to Ecclesiastes and the difference.
There are so many similarities to Ecclesiastes!
Vs. 7-14 of Ps. 49 have the same ‘tone’ to me as Ecc. 2:11 “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind”, and Ecc. 3:9 “What gain has the worker from his toil?”
Ecc. 2:15, 16 “ Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also…how the wise dies just like the fool!” , also 3:19 “For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other”, and Psalm 49:10 “For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others.”
There is so much more in Ecclesiastes—too much to post it all, but I think 5:10 sums up a lot of the wisdom in psalm 49 “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income”
Then I love the hope in ps. 49:15 “BUT GOD (!) will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me”, I see this also in Ecc. 3:11b “he has put eternity into man’s heart”.
We are made to only find rest in God alone—there is no other way. And I must be ransomed, rescued, restored. Oh so thankful for His costly grace.
6. Read Psalm 49:16-20 and list the final warnings about riches.
Vs. 16 jumps out to me–if I am fearful when someone becomes rich, then I’m revealing where my trust lies. I was born frugal and sometimes I find myself too easily frustrated at the cost of a bill…but I also try to be very prayerful about our spending. Ever since my first trip to the grocery store married, over 22 years ago, I’ve said a quick prayer before heading in to shop—that He would guard His money. It’s sometimes too rote now, but I do want to always remember He is the Owner. And if He has led us to a small school for now, I trust He’s ok with spending His money on the tuition that can seem way too high to me. But it’s His, and if I’ve been prayerful over it—whether a new hot water heater we needed or groceries, I want to rest in His sovereignty over costs. I can make an idol of money but my fear of spending just as easily as a rich person over his amassed wealth. It is all temporal, and it is all His.
I love your prayer for frugality when you head to the grocery store.
7. Have you experienced the beauty of simplicity — of more with less? If so, share.
I’m struggling with this question. I can compare us to “some” and say we live more simply, without certain luxuries, and having only one income…but then my stomach turns because the reality is that compared to much of the world, I really, have so much. I like to think I’m not a material type… but still, I know I love my comforts. I’m inspired by those who down-size or move to an urban neighborhood to evangelize in desperate communities. I admit I hold too closely to my bed, my health, my hot bath. I do experience the beauty of less in other ways—less TV, less busy schedules, we say ‘no’ to a lot in those realms, and I believe we are blessed by our boundaries, especially my kids. I could say a lot there, but not gonna open that can of worms! But yes, in theory, I love the beauty of simplicity, I just admit to my own comfort idols as well.
8. As you look ahead to the fresh start of fall, how might you take these warnings to heart and plan for a fruitful fall?
I think what God is showing me in this Psalm is not so simple as avoiding wealth in the monetary sense, or even “wealth” in the sense of good health. He is reminding me not to trust in these things for my security. I remember Keller has said that our nightmare thoughts can reveal where our functional trust lies—often revealing my family, or my comforts & security idols. The problem isn’t those things, the problem is the order of my heart.
I love this week’s title, “What Matter Most”. What matters most, is that I have nothing to fear in times of trouble (v.5), or in death (v.15). My Shepherd is the God of Life, not Death (v.14). I have been paid for, and more—what lies ahead for me is life to the fullest. All of this will pass away. No amount of material, earthly gain compares to eternity in the arms of my Savior. It seems crazy when I write this out—how can I so foolishly worry about this life. But it is a daily struggle, a daily re-ordering of my heart, of what matters most.
Psalm 146: 3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
9. It is especially meaningful to me that the Sons of Korah would sing about the deceitfulness of wealth. They would know more than many others.
Yes.
9) What will I remember from this study and why? Does knowing they were written by of for the sons of Koran make a difference in how I viewed them?
First, I will remember the background story of the Sons of Korah in a deeper way. I illustrated this story in a Bible that I do Bible illustrations/journaling in. I titled it, “Justice and Mercy”. This part of their family history marked them for centuries.
Second,knowing the story of the Sons of Korah made these particular Psalms come alive in a new and powerful way. When Psalm 46 talks about trusting God when the earth gives way, they saw that. When Psalm 49 talks about God redeeming my life from the grave, they literally experienced that. I could go on and on with many other examples, but will try and keep this brief.
Third,I also loved the whole expansion on the City of God in Psalm 48. That was so rich and bps keep an eternal perspective and also gave me a new urgency in sharing the gospel with those God leads me to share with. I just hate for anyone to miss being able to one day experience living in God’s city!
Also, thank you, Dee for all your hard work in writing this study and making each aspect come alive and be applicable to my life today!!! I have so enjoyed this study and learned much from you and all the other ladies in this group….what a blessing!
Life giving words for me, Sue!
6. Read Psalm 49:16-20 and list the final warnings about riches.
It says to not worry about people who are wealthy; they will leave their stuff when they die.
We should keep the having things/death ideas in perspective.
7. Have you experienced the beauty of simplicity — of more with less? If so, share.
Absolutely! Having less means less to take care of, so less work for me ?. One or two dishes get washed quickly, one room of the house is vacuumed in a few minutes, and when you only have a few clothes to wear, you tend to take good care of them so they last awhile. Having stuff burdens us; weighs us down.
Love your simplicity answer, Laura!
6. Read Psalm 49:16-20 and list the final warnings about riches.
-When a rich man dies it doesn’t go with him and neither does his glory.
-When a rich man gets praise doing so well for himself it doesn’t matter in the end for he will die and not see light again
7. Have you experienced the beauty of simplicity — of more with less? If so, share.
I SO want a simple life so not yet. It is hard with four teenage boys who eat everything, so our grocery bill is high and the cost of public school is high. 🙂 I have struggled with desiring to sell our home and live in a shack for that is fine with me but our boys are doing so well in this school district. When it will be just my husband and me our budget will look so different. Living simply would look different. 🙂
8. As you look ahead to the fresh start of fall, how might you take these warnings to
heart and plan for a fruitful fall?
To be more frugal and to ask God how to live a simple life NOW. 🙂 Ask Him to help us with a plan and rely on HIM to meet all our needs.
9. As you look back on these seven Psalms of the sons of Korah — what do you think you will remember and why? Did knowing they were written or sung by these sons make a difference in how you viewed them?
It does make a difference to me, knowing these were written by the sons of Korah because of the story of hope that delivers. They are descendants of those who disobeyed God, and yet they followed Him. They didn’t have the opportunity to take their faith for granted. They were well aware of God’s mercy towards them. I think knowing their story, emphasizes the power of repentance, redemption, and of God’s far-reaching mercy.
I’m jumping in a little late this week but I’m here and happy to be here. I read through all the comments for Sunday, Monday and some from Tuesday. I didn’t want to get to ahead because I haven’t studied much of Palms 49. My heart is feeling so stirred right now with so many rich comments and the music video. I loved what Bing said right at the beginning about the two psalms going well together, I agree.
I also loved the comment Jackie made about redemption in Samuel. Another difficult story came to my mind about the whole tribe of Benjamin being wiped out because of great sin but the women were spared to keep the tribe of Benjamin going. I think of Rehab and Tamar, Judah and his sin. Rebecca and Jacobs deceit. My Father God is so gracious and so beyond our own human emotional shortcomings. He never wears the personal injury inflicted by those who sin against Him. When he corrects us its always for our good.
What stands out to you and why: Since I have little people the first thing I think about is the eternal investment I make in them. Their little souls are the only things that should matter and my husband and I not being establish finically is difficult. I’m working full time he’s back in school and the kids are at school and childcare. Its a good Christian childcare but its not mom. My heart brakes leaving them and I want to be with them so much but it’s just not possible right now. I was blessed to be home for the first eight years of my oldest sons life. I just wish I could be home with my youngest who is in preschool. So pleasep ray for me I believe the Lord has something for me this week in our study.
Good to have you hear Nicole — yes, our God is so gracious — and prayers for you!
8. As you look ahead to the fresh start of fall, how might you take these warnings to heart and plan for a fruitful fall?
my husband and I want to sell our huge house and boy oh boy have we collected things over the years! I would like to take each room and toss things we don’t need or want anymore and this may be the impetus to start carving a little time out of our week to do so. A huge problem is we have our children’s things still; I think it’s time to have them take them. Another problem is much of our stuff is sentimental and I can’t part with it (children’s toys, books, my moms things, my husbands’ dads things, etc.) I will need to think on this. I definitely won’t be buying new stuff!
B. How do verses 7-8 speak against the religious practice of indulgences? I think the scriptures is very clear that it is impossible to redeem anyone from the grave.
C. In many ways this psalm sounds like the dismal voice of Ecclesiastes (3:9). Yet there is a sure hope in verse 15. Find the similarity to Ecclesiastes and the difference. In verse 15 and Ecc 3:11 they are speaking of redemption of a grand plan God has for us. What I understand about Ecclesiastes is that he is posing a question for his listeners. The writer is fully aware that all he is speaking is foolishness and dismal but in confronting these truths we gain wisdom. God is in all parts of his creation and there is something to gain in every situation. I loved reading Ecc 3:11 He hath made everything beautiful in his own time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. All humanity craves eternity but we all hold one piece in the puzzle of life. We can only see what God has set in front of us. So I believe we shouldn’t strive to much to understand, we as disciples must TRUST and know where redemption comes from and strive to please Him. Life is balance, the bible says a righteous man leaves and inheritance for his grandchildren. Of course a spiritual inheritance is richer then monetary inheritance but David collected gold and left it to Solomon to build the temple. Isaac received all his father’s wealth. But then we see Jacob who received only the spiritual inheritance. So what should I say? God knows what he is doing just TRUST him.
8. As you look ahead to the fresh start of fall, how might you take these warnings To heart and plan for a fruitful fall?
I answered this question yesterday in great detail and then never posted it! The short version is my husband and I are wanting to sell our very expensive, very large home that has lots of stuff in it. I am starting to think of things that I can throw away, but then I run up against sentimental items such as furniture, Wall hangings, dishes, etc. that I had growing up as a child and received when my mother passed away. I struggle with getting rid of those things. I will do my best to be more conscientious in the near future because I do believe in being more frugal.
I sympathize. I have ten paintings my mother did that no one seems to want — but I cannot bear to put them in the trash! I love them but am out of wall space for any more!
6. Read Psalm 49:16-20 and list the final warnings about riches.
7. Have you experienced the beauty of simplicity — of more with less? If so, share.
My mother-in-law passed away last summer and my father-in-law preceded her about 6 years ago. We have been left with the farm as an inheritance. Although there are three siblings, my husband is the main caretaker of the farm now. He has started gutting the old farmhouse this summer. AS a result, we have the master bedroom, the basement and the addition to the house where the laundry and bathroom are, to use. The week-ends that Richard and I spent there gave me lessons of simplicity-no TV, not much space to work in. In fact, my desk was a little space that I created on a table the guys use to lay their tools! And I survived! Made me appreciate the little things in life, like the card table where we ate at, the few dishes that we use, the old microwave that is still working.
8. As you look ahead to the fresh start of fall, how might you take these warnings toheart and plan for a fruitful fall?
To watch for opportunities to be a generous giver instead of a hoarder of material things or anything that does not have eternal value.
SATURDAY:
9. As you look back on these seven Psalms of the sons of Korah — what do you think you will remember and why? Did knowing they were written or sung by these sons make a difference in how you viewed them?
Since I was not able to do most of these psalms this summer, I went back and skimmed through them. I listened to Mike Reeves sermon on how to enjoy God and just bask on the loveliness of our God in Jesus.
And in light of what happened to Korah, I had a deeper appreciation of the redemptive work of God in the lives of his sons. Each one of us do have a choice to break “generational sin”. We do not have to be resigned to our propensities to certain weaknesses because “it runs in our blood”. Jesus has the power to give us victory over them if we have surrendered lives to the One who loves us and gave His life to redeem us.