worth

But God drags away the mighty by his power; though they become established, they have no assurance of life. He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but his eyes are on their ways. For a little while they are exalted, and then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain.
- Job 24:22-24

For a little while they are exalted, and then they are gone.

I've lived off of man's praise for a long, long time. I've had daily doses and injections of ego from teachers, parents, friends - whether direct or indirect - references to intellect, discipline, maturity, talent, skill, achievement, whatever. And it feels good. But it's most surely a fleeting joy. Who will remember me in a century? Who will remember Steve Jobs in even 20 years?

He may let them rest in a feeling of security...

Again, it feels good. To feel like I'm capable, to have a high GPA, to get a nice job, to feel accomplished, secure, to be constantly told that I will do great things. And perhaps all those things are true.

They are brought low and gathered up like all others...

But in the end, one day I will grow old and my brain will slow down. Perhaps, I contract a mental disorder and I can't be the smart kid anymore. Perhaps I end up crippled. Perhaps I get caught in a fire and half my body is burned. These things are surely implausible, but not impossible. I'm sure Job (in the Bible) didn't think he was going to lose everything so abruptly.

I thank God that our treasure is in heaven.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
- Matthew 6:19-21