Psalm 49
Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm that addresses the futility of placing trust in wealth and earthly power. The psalmist contrasts the temporary nature of riches with the eternal hope found in God. It emphasizes that death comes to all, rich or poor, and that only those who trust in God will have lasting peace. The chapter calls for reflection on life’s true purpose, reminding readers that wealth cannot save or follow anyone beyond the grave.
Psalm 49:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Hear this, all peoples;
Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
2 Both low and high,
Rich and poor together.
3 My mouth shall speak wisdom,
And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding.
4 I will incline my ear to a proverb;
I will disclose my dark saying on the harp.
5 Why should I fear in the days of evil,
When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?
6 Those who trust in their wealth
And boast in the multitude of their riches,
7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother,
Nor give to God a ransom for him—
8 For the redemption of their souls is costly,
And it shall cease forever—
9 That he should continue to live eternally,
And not see the Pit.
10 For he sees wise men die;
Likewise the fool and the senseless person perish,
And leave their wealth to others.
The psalmist begins with a universal call, addressing all people regardless of social or economic status. He offers profound wisdom, emphasizing that material wealth offers no security against death. Even in difficult times, there is no need to fear those who rely on riches, as money cannot save a person’s life or redeem a soul. Everyone faces death, whether wise or foolish, and wealth is ultimately left behind for others. These verses highlight the futility of trusting in worldly possessions.
Psalm 49:11-15 (NKJV)
11 Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever,
Their dwelling places to all generations;
They call their lands after their own names.
12 Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain;
He is like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the way of those who are foolish,
And of their posterity who approve their sayings. Selah
14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave;
Death shall feed on them;
The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning;
And their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling.
15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave,
For He shall receive me. Selah
The wealthy often believe their legacy will endure through their possessions and namesakes, but this is an illusion. Humans, despite their temporary honor, share the same fate as animals—they perish. Those who place their trust in wealth follow a path of folly, and death ultimately claims them. Yet, the righteous have hope. In verse 15, the psalmist expresses his confidence that God will redeem his soul, offering deliverance from death and receiving him into His presence.
Psalm 49:16-20 (NKJV)
16 Do not be afraid when one becomes rich,
When the glory of his house is increased;
17 For when he dies, he shall carry nothing away;
His glory shall not descend after him.
18 Though while he lives he blesses himself
(For men will praise you when you do well for yourself),
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers;
They shall never see light.
20 A man who is in honor, yet does not understand,
Is like the beasts that perish.
The final verses warn against being intimidated by those who grow wealthy and gain status. Their wealth will not accompany them in death, and their glory will fade. Even though people may admire the prosperous in life, death brings them to the same fate as others, cutting them off from light and hope. The psalm ends with a stark truth: those who lack understanding of their eternal need for God are no different from animals—they perish without hope.