The Euro, Apple, Stocks, Occupy Wall St. and Greed

I read something interesting in the news today. Apple, Inc.'s profit rose 54% compared to last year. They made 54% more money in the last quarter than they did last year! Their profits were over $28 billion in the quarter. That's good news for Apple, right? Their investors must be so happy, right?

Nope.

Apple shares fell by over 7% Tuesday night in after hours trading. Why?

Well, months ago it was "forecasted" by the "experts" that Apple should make even more money than they did. Based on these forecasts, everyone "invested" (gambled by purchasing shares of stock) ahead of time in the company and paid certain sums of money for what the stock was supposedly going to be "worth." The "worth" of the stock was based on what profits "experts" said Apple should make.

And the result?

Apple made more money than last year--lots more! But it wasn't good enough--wasn't as high as the forecasted amount--and the stock value dropped and people lost money on their bets.

Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture? Apple makes more money and yet loses?!?! I don't care about how much money Apple makes, but I'm trying to make a point...

How about the debt crises in Europe? How about this headline: "World Stocks and Euro Advance on EU Rescue Hopes"? A few words from governments about a POSSIBLE bailout coming in the future sends stocks rising because people are betting that the "worth" of companies will increase in the future. The next day, a word or two from some high government official can cause people to sell their stocks and prices dip down, causing people to lose money.

I'm not an economist, but it doesn't take an economist to see that greed is motivating people to do crazy things. People will invest tons of money based on what sounds like a few hopeful words from forecasters. A few dismal words from Ben Bernanke will send people scrambling to stay ahead of everyone else--they will sell their stocks and investments, etc.

Proverbs 29:4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

Ezekiel 33:31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.

Ephesians 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

I'm not going to go and "occupy Wall St." any time soon because the answer lies in the heart and repentance. People need to realize that their lives are temporary and ONLY what is done for Jesus will matter in the end....