Psalms 49:15-20

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

16 Be not afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.

17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.

18 Though, while he lives, he counts himself happy, and though a man gets praise when he does well for himself,

19 he will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never more see the light.

20 Man cannot abide in his pomp, he is like the beasts that perish.

Psalms 49:15-20 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.