Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

This is an anonymous psalm.

Sometimes the anonymous psalms are called “orphan psalms” because they stand alone on the page of Scripture without their human parentage being known.

This is a psalm about rich people.

When Barbara Hutton, the wealthy heiress of the Woolworth fortune died, Time magazine in an obituary noted her numerous unhappy marriages to the rich, the powerful, the popular of the world; noted her chronic illnesses; recalled that she had been characterized as “the poor little rich girl.”

She had everything, but she had nothing.

This psalm is about poor rich people—people who have money, but that is all they have.

Family, fortune, friends, and future—nothing matters but money.

These people are the orphans of eternity

All we know about this psalm is that it was “for the sons of Korah.”

It is one of ten such psalms.

The sons of Korah descended from a father who perished under the wrath and curse of God because of his arrogance and pride.

The fact that he was a Levite, the grandson of Kohath, great-grandson of Levi, and kin to Moses and Aaron, only aggravated his fault.

The psalm does not make being rich a sin.

The sin lies in trusting in riches.

It is not money that is the root of all evil, but the love of it.

1) An Intro Proclamation

This Psalmist is not at all addressed to the “chosen people” but to ALL.

Your position makes no difference.

The power of wealth to make men proud, careless of God, and heedless of eternity is one which all men must face.

2) A Promise is Submitted To Us

VERSES 3-4

Apparently, the Psalmist has meditated much on the issue and is offering us sound wisdom; God-given answers to this enigma of life.

He will also treat this subject by way of a story and song.

This is call the “parabolic method” (parables).

This was used quit often in Solomon’s day.

This art was perfect by Jesus Himself

These dark and deeper saying will be addressed in a poetic approach.