Psalms 49:1-9

1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. 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.

Psalms 49:1-9 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.