Psalm 37:16-24 – Better to be Rich in Favor

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

The eternal riches will always be better than the riches that are temporary. So, why do we value the temporary more?

Today’s devotional reading: Psalm 37:16-24

We, mankind, have things turned around, so far as what we consider to be rich. We have put an incredibly high value on earthly treasures, to the point that some of us spend our days coming up with plans for how we can become rich.

There is nothing wrong with earning a wage so that you can feed yourself and your loved ones, while also keeping a roof over your head as well. Think about this: Paul didn’t say that money was evil, but that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The love of wealth is what led men to enslave and oppress. The love of wealth is what still leads others to mistreat, hurt, and harm others. When we begin to value wealth over life, then we have a serious problem.

As king, David enjoyed much wealth, but he didn’t glorify wealth, as many of us do today. In fact, David was a man who would happily give up the earthly riches to have the joy of salvation that comes from God. Many of us covet the riches that the wealthy have, but David said, “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.”

God is near to those who are of a contrite spirit. God welcomes the thirsty and poor to come to Him. Those who look to God rather than look to what riches can do for them will have their steps ordered by the Lord, and God will walk with them. When you are favored, God walks with you and will bless you no matter the circumstance. Money may be able to help you with some things, but God can and will help you with all things. Yes, it is better to be rich in eternal favor, rather than rich in what is here today and gone tomorrow.