How much does a breath weigh? If one were to exhale on a scale, would the needle move? In David’s day, scales were used to determine the value of precious metals by placing them on one side and common weights on the other. When the sides balanced, the metal’s value was determined. Whether of low or high social status, all people are like a breath on the scales: impotent and ineffective. They do not even move the needle.
The last stanza (9-12) picks up on the fact stated in the previous (5-8). Trust in God for in him and only him is rest and hope for no man or woman should be trusted. Though my riches increase I should not set my heart on them.
Since this is true I should not even trust in myself. If I were to be tempted to extortion or thievery, I should not trust in the wealth they will bring for what is achieved one day is the fall of the next.
God is the only one worthy of trust. Surely he will reward each person according to what he has done. (12). Jesus taught, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Luke 16:10-13)
