Psalms 49:16-20

16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.
17 1For when he dies he will 2carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.
18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself 3blessed --and though you get praise when you do well for yourself--
19 his soul will 4go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again 5see light.
20 6Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

Psalms 49:16-20 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.

Cross References 6

  • 1. [Job 27:19]
  • 2. 1 Timothy 6:7
  • 3. Psalms 10:3; Psalms 36:2; Deuteronomy 29:19; Luke 12:19
  • 4. Genesis 15:15
  • 5. Psalms 56:13; Job 33:30
  • 6. ver. 12
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.