Psalm 49

Name: Psalm
Author: BiblePics
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Understanding Dependence Eternal life Trust Wisdom Fear Punishment Death Salvation Pride Beauty Heart Almighty Materialism

Psalm 49 is a poetic reminder that wealth and riches cannot save us from death. The psalmist urges everyone, from the lowly to the wealthy, to pay attention and understand the fleeting nature of life. They encourage listeners to trust in God rather than material possessions, as wealth can never truly bring eternal security.

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Bible version

The Folly of Trusting in Wealth

1 {To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.} Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:

2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?

6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves 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 soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.

10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.

13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.

14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.

20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

Commentary

The psalmist begins with an attention-grabbing message: "Hear this, all peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world" (verse 1). They then explain that the rich and poor alike will face death (verses 6-10). The psalmist reminds us that no amount of wealth or status can prevent death, and encourages us not to fear those who seem to have more possessions (verses 16-17).The psalmist offers words of hope in the midst of this message of warning. They confidently state that God will redeem us from the power of the grave (verse 15), and that our righteousness will shine like the sun (verse 19). Moreover, they conclude by encouraging listeners to focus on what matters most: trusting in God and living a life that pleases Him.Psalm 49 serves as a sobering reminder that no amount of wealth, power, or status can offer eternal security. Our only hope is in God, who alone can redeem us from the grave and offer us true life. Let us then trust in God rather than in our possessions, for it is He who holds our future in His hands.