This psalm is a sermon, and so is the next. In most of the psalms we have the penman praying or praising; in these we have him preaching; and it is our duty, in singing psalms, to teach and admonish ourselves and one another (Colossians 3:16). The scope and design of this discourse is to convince the men of this world of their sin and folly in setting their hearts upon the things of this world, and so to persuade them to seek the things of a better world; as also to comfort the people of God, in reference to their own troubles and the grief that arises from the prosperity of the wicked.
I. The Appeal
A. To all (v.1-3)
B. To himself (v.4-5)
II. The Arguments
A. Their wealth cannot save anyone from death (v.6-9)
B. Even themselves, their wealth cannot save from death (v. 10)
C. Their wealth cannot assure them eternal happiness in this world (v.11-13)
D. Nor can their wealth assure them eternal happiness in the other world (v.14)
III. The Attempt
A. To comfort himself and other godly people
1) Against the fear of death (v.15)
2) Against the power of the wealthy wicked people (v.16-20)
Conclusion:
A. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
B. 1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows
C. Matthew 6:20 - "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal”.
