Psalms 49:16

16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;

Psalms 49:16 in Other Translations

16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

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

16 So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid.

16 So don't be impressed with those who get rich and pile up fame and fortune.

16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, When the glory of his house is increased.

16 Do not be afraid when someone becomes rich, when the greatness of his house increases.

16 Do not be afraid when a man gets rich, when the wealth of his house increases.

16 Don't be upset when someone becomes rich. Don't be troubled when he becomes more and more wealthy.

Psalms 49:16 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 49:16

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich
Who before was poor, or not so rich; but now become so, either by inheritance, or by his own diligence and industry, through the permission of Providence. This is to be understood, not of a good man, from whom oppression is not to be feared; but it may be hoped he will do good with his riches, by relieving the poor, and ministering to the support of the interest of religion, and using what power and authority he may have in defence of it: but it is to be interpreted of a wicked man; of one who neither fears God, nor regards man; who makes an ill use of his riches, power, and authority, to the oppression of the poor, and the persecution of the saints, and who seeks to be feared when he is not loved; see ( Proverbs 28:12 Proverbs 28:28 ) ( 29:2 ) ; but the people of God should not be afraid when this is the case, since God is their strength, their light, and their salvation; and since wicked men can go no further than permitted, and at most can do no more than kill the body; see ( Psalms 27:1-3 ) ( Matthew 10:28 ) ; these words are an apostrophe of the psalmist, either to his own soul, or to the saints, and every particular believer;

when the glory of his house is increased;
either the same with riches, so called, ( Genesis 31:1 ) ( Revelation 21:24 Revelation 21:26 ) ; because men are apt to glory in them, and for the most part obtain honour and glory from men by them; or children, and an increase of them, and especially when they come to honour; as also the advancement of themselves to high places of honour and trust; as well as additional buildings, large stately edifices, to make them look great, and perpetuate their names.

Psalms 49:16 In-Context

14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.

15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.

16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;

17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.

18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper—