What About the Future?

“For riches are not forever:
and doth the crown endure to every generation?” (Prov 27:24).

Last week our proverb talked about priorities, and the importance of making sure that we put first things first. This week’s proverb is a continuation of that thought. We ought to take care of what is really important because we cannot guarantee our future.
Just as the book of James tells us that our lives are like a vapor (Jas 4:14), so this proverb reminds us that wealth is not a guarantee of future success and prosperity. Just because you have a lot of money does not ensure that you will always be prosperous. Money and possessions can be lost very quickly. The biblical character Job lost all his wealth in one short day. Many others in our time have gone from millionaires to beggars very rapidly. Money is no guarantee that you will always be successful or comfortable.
Furthermore, even positions of power are not guaranteed. Someone may hold an influential position and people may listen to everything he says. Just as quickly, the tide of public opinion may turn, leaving that person with nothing. Even a king can lose his throne. In Solomon’s day, kings who were defeated in battle were routinely disposed, their heirs slaughtered, and replaced with a new king. Within a few days, a king, who previously enjoyed absolute power over his kingdom, was reduced to nothing. Power and position are not guarantees for the future.
So what about the future? The proverb leaves unsaid what we already know to be true: the only thing we can trust for the future is an omniscient and sovereign God, who not only knows what will happen, but is in control of all things that will take place. He is the one we can trust in for the future.