Psalms 49:1-10

1 Give attention to this, all you peoples; let your ears be open, all you who are living in the world.

2 High and low together, the poor, and those who have wealth.

3 From my mouth will come words of wisdom; and in the thoughts of my heart will be knowledge.

4 I will put my teaching into a story; I will make my dark sayings clear with music.

5 What cause have I for fear in the days of evil, when the evil-doing of those who are working for my downfall is round about me?

6 Even of those whose faith is in their wealth, and whose hearts are lifted up because of their stores.

7 Truly, no man may get back his soul for a price, or give to God the payment for himself;

8 (Because it takes a great price to keep his soul from death, and man is not able to give it.)

9 So that he might have eternal life, and never see the underworld.

10 For he sees that wise men come to their end, and foolish persons of low behaviour come to destruction together, letting their wealth go to others.

Psalms 49:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Aben Ezra says this psalm is a very excellent one, since in it is explained the Light of the world to come, and of the rational and immortal soul; and Kimchi is of opinion that it respects both this world and that which is to come: and indeed it treats of the vanity of trusting in riches: of the insufficiency of them for the redemption of the soul; of the short continuance of worldly honour and substance; of the certainty of death, and of the resurrection of the dead. And the design of it is to expose the folly of trusting in uncertain riches, and to comfort the people of God under the want of them.