Psalms 49:11-20

11 Their inward thought is, that their houses will endure forever, And their dwelling places to all generations. They name their lands after themselves.

12 But man, despite his riches, doesn't endure. He is like the animals that perish.

13 This is the destiny of those who are foolish, And of those who approve their sayings. Selah.

14 They are appointed as a flock for Sheol. Death shall be their shepherd. The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning. Their beauty shall decay in Sheol, Far from their mansion.

15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For he will receive me. Selah.

16 Don't be afraid when a man is made rich, When the glory of his house is increased.

17 For when he dies he shall carry nothing away. His glory shall not descend after him.

18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul -- And men praise you when you do well for yourself --

19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers. They shall never see the light.

20 A man who has riches without understanding, Is like the animals that perish.

Psalms 49:11-20 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.