Psalm 49:1-10

1 For the leader. A psalm of the descendants of Korach: Hear this, all you peoples! Listen, everyone living on earth,

2 regardless of whether low or high, regardless of whether rich or poor!

3 My mouth is about to speak wisdom; my heart's deepest thoughts will give understanding.

4 I will listen with care to [God's] parable, I will set my enigma to the music of the lyre.

5 Why should I fear when the days bring trouble, when the evil of my pursuers surrounds me,

6 the evil of those who rely on their wealth and boast how rich they are?

7 No one can ever redeem his brother or give God a ransom for him,

8 because the price for him is too high (leave the idea completely alone!)

9 to have him live on eternally and never see the pit.

10 For he can see that wise men will die, likewise the fool and the brute will perish and leave their wealth to others.

Psalm 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.