Psalms 49:17

17 For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them.

Psalms 49:17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 49:17

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away
Such men, with all their riches and honour, must die; therefore why should men be afraid of them? or wherein are they to be accounted of, whose breath is in their nostrils? nor can they carry either of them with them; their riches will be of no profit to them after death, when they will be upon a level with the poor, who will have nothing to fear from them; see ( 1 Timothy 6:7 ) ;

his glory shall not descend after him;
either into the grave, the pit of corruption, the lower part of the earth, where kings, princes, counsellors, and peasants, are all alike, ( Job 3:14 Job 3:15 Job 3:19 ) ; or into hell, where are no titles of honour, nor respect of persons; no Pharaoh king of Egypt, or Sennacherib king of Assyria, there; but plain Pharaoh see ( Ezekiel 32:31 Ezekiel 32:32 ) .

Psalms 49:17 In-Context

15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. (Selah)

16 Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increases.

17 For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them.

18 Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy —for you are praised when you do well for yourself—

19 they will go to the company of their ancestors, who will never again see the light.