In Proverbs, chapter ten, verse fifteen, the scripture observes the apparent advantages of riches, as in chapter fourteen, verse twenty, and chapter nineteen, verse fourteen, and the disadvantages of poverty, as in chapter eighteen, verse twenty-three, and chapter nineteen, verses four, and seven. It may appear to the casual observer that the rich are secure. Yet, in God’s sight, as in the beginning of Proverbs eleven verse two, “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing.” The New Testament sheds clearer light on the state of the rich and poor. In James two, verse five, “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?”
The theme title, “The Rich Man’s Wealth is his strong city,” observes how wealthy people will rely on their possessions. The rich young ruler came to Jesus in Matthew nineteen, in verses sixteen through twenty-two with the question at the beginning, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” The response from the Son of God, “Why callest thou me good?” The rich tend to have good things when they are rich and seem to have easier access than others. Then Jesus continued to ask the rich young ruler about keeping the commandments.
The Lord names five of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. These five commandments, the rich man was able to keep due to his wealth which enabled him to do so. However, Jesus had one commandment for him. Jesus asked the rich young ruler to depart with his riches and follow him. He was puzzled by it. In verse twenty-two, “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”
The first commandment in Exodus twenty, verse three, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. This commandment is difficult for the wealthy. Jesus was examining the heart of the rich young ruler. He was upset and grieving that he could not respond to it. The young ruler’s values were more precious to him than Jesus.