Wealth is no help for a long-term future

A selection of verses showing how this theme runs consistently through the Bible.

Psalms 39 verses 5 - 7

5 Behold, you have made my days hand widths. 
My lifetime is as nothing before you. 
Surely every man stands as a breath.” 
Selah.
6 “Surely every man walks like a shadow. 
Surely they busy themselves in vain. 
He heaps up, and doesn’t know who shall gather. 
7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for? 
My hope is in you. 
 

Psalms 49 verses 6 - 7

6 Those who trust in their wealth, 
and boast in the multitude of their riches— 
7 none of them can by any means redeem his brother, 
nor give God a ransom for him. 
 

Ecclesiastes 1 verses 2 - 4

2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” 3 What does man gain from all his labour in which he labours under the sun? 4 One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.

Matthew 6 verses 19 - 21

19 “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
 

John 6 verse 27

27  Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.”