Does this sound familiar?

In reading my Bible, I came across the following verses. The older I get the more amazed I am at the similarities between Israel and Judah during the time of the prophets and the United States today.

Isa 56:11-12 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (12) Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

There are three things that are happening in these verses. First, the people are greedy and find that they are never satisfied. Second, everyone can only think in terms of what is good for themselves. They only are concerned about what will bring them personal financial gain. Third, they expect that the economic prosperity will last forever.

You do not have to look far in the United States to see these three things. Much of the worry about the financial markets and the impact of a slowdown from the housing market is because people are greedy, self-centered, and expect economic prosperity to last forever. A little bit of economic belt-tightening would help all of us Americans refocus on what is truly important.

See this article about being a millionaire and not being satisfied.