Psalms 49:5-15

5 Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at 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 they 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, though he be in honor, 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 be consumed in the grave away from their dwelling.

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

Psalms 49:5-15 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.