Psalm 49 – Listen!
Psalm 49 – listen, seems to shout at me this week as I’ve reflected on the importance of listening, to others, and to our God. What are we meant to hear?
Psalm 49
Psalm 49 – listen, starts with the proclamation “Hear this,” then adds “listen.” Some translations say “pay attention.” What are we paying attention to? The writer is about to speak words of wisdom.
“Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike:
My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.
I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle.” (1-4)
Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm. It speaks of the foolishness of amassing wealth rather than favor in God’s eyes.
“Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me—
those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?
No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—
the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—
so that they should live on forever and not see decay.” (5-9)
Can’t be Poorer than Dead
No one lives forever and when we die, we can’t take our possessions with us, though Egyptian Pharaohs tried to, burying riches in massive tombs. As Flannery O’Connor said, “you can’t be poorer than dead.”
“This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.” (13-14)
“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.” (16-17)
However, God will save the author of this psalm:
“But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.” (15)
The psalm ends with a proverb: “People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.” (20)
What is God saying?
In Psalm 49 – listen, God is speaking about the folly of trusting in riches rather than God. The psalm tells us not to be impressed with what others own. Far too often in our society we value people based on how much money they have. Foolishness.
Norman Wirzba, in a recent interview, stated, “I think what’s becoming clear as people look around is that the wealth inequality is just getting worse and there are precious few signs that we have the leadership, whether in business or in politics, that’s really concerned enough about it. I think what’s become clear also is that this obsession with a continually growing economy is doing so much damage to our places and to our communities. And I don’t know what’s gonna need to happen for people to say we simply have to stop the growth imperative and start thinking not in terms of quantity, but about the qualities of our relationships.” Norman Wirzba on finding hope in the midst of crisis
Our incessant concern for and idolizing of money is hurting our communities and our relationships. Foolishness.
Listen, Listen, Listen
In communication, listen is like location to real estate. Location, location, location, location is everything. Listening is everything and yet so hard to find at times. Instead of listening we are busy coming up with our response or reacting before the speaker even finishes a thought.
Listening to God is essential, everything, yet we do it so poorly most of the time. Yes, God loves to hear us prattle on about our lives and our concerns, but there comes a point when, if we want to grow spiritually, we need to stop and listen.
Some claim they hear God speaking all the time, but do they? How do they know the words they hear are from God rather than a voice in their head, their ego or voices from their past spewing lies?
How do we listen to God? First, we have to slow down the chatter in our head and spend time in silence. Then we hold what we hear lightly, willing to acknowledge that we may be wrong.
Psalm 49 – Listen!
I have found that God speaks to us in so many different ways, sometimes even with words, but those words are often scarce. One word from God can sustain me for months as I reflect on it over and over again. Also, when God speaks it often takes me by surprise. God gives me insight I never could have come up with on my own. God’s words heal broken parts in ways years of therapy never manage. All are signs that God is speaking.
What is God telling you today? Are you willing to set aside your ego and listen. Psalm 49 – listen, continues to shout at us – pay attention! Life is too short. How are you spending this one precious life God has given you? Are you busy amassing money or relationships?
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 49: Who is the Prudent One – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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