Psalm 49

1. Psalm 49 is quite solemn. The focus of the writer is on the certainty of death and the fact that we cannot take this world’s goods with us at the time of our passing. In the time when these words were written, that would have been a revolutionary thought.

2. Verses 1-4 serve as an introduction, and sound much like many of the introductions to speeches given in the book of Job. The poet is grabbing our attention and telling us to listen to this important piece of wisdom.

3. Verses 5-8 give words building up to the main point: the certainty of death. These verses are showing some of the things in this life (wealth, riches, family, etc.) which people deem important.

4. But, everyone dies! “For he sees that even wise men die; the stupid and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.” While this teaching runs throughout the pages of the Bible, many people–even Christians–do not seem to understand it. While we may gain many things in this life, we need to understand that “things” will not save us from death.

5. Verses 11-12 give this teaching in beautiful language. We may boast of our house or our possessions, but that boasting “will not endure.” We are just like the animals in the fact that we die, no matter what we do.

6. Verse 14 gives a great irony for the foolish (presumably, those who have boasted about wealth). In life, they are like sheep, but, after death, Sheol (death) grazes on them.

7. The 15th verses is a great statement of confidence. The writer is not saying that he is innocent of the mistakes about which he is writing. Instead, he is acknowledging the fact that God will save even him.

8. Verses 16-17 are very direct in teaching that we can’t take “it” with us. People may glorify those who have vast wealth, but neither the wealth nor the glory can save them. While written to comfort those who may go without, this verse also serves as a warning to those who are the “haves.”

9. Verses 18-19 are stern in warning the one who has much. He recognizes that his “fathers” (ancestors) are dead, and the inspired poet teaches that the same will happen to him.

10. The final verse gives one more warning, concluding the psalm by teaching that we will die. While these may not be uplifting words, they are needed by all.