Psalms 49
Psalms 49 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 49 summary
This psalm is a sermon, and so is the next. In most of the psalms we have the penman praying or praising; in these we have him preaching; and it is our duty, in singing psalms, to teach and admonish ourselves and one another. The scope and design of this discourse is to convince the men of this world of their sin and folly in setting their hearts upon the things of this world, and so to persuade them to seek the things of a better world; as also to comfort the people of God, in reference to their own troubles and the grief that arises from the prosperity of the wicked. I.
Read the full introduction
This psalm is a sermon, and so is the next. In most of the psalms we have the penman praying or praising; in these we have him preaching; and it is our duty, in singing psalms, to teach and admonish ourselves and one another. The scope and design of this discourse is to convince the men of this world of their sin and folly in setting their hearts upon the things of this world, and so to persuade them to seek the things of a better world; as also to comfort the people of God, in reference to their own troubles and the grief that arises from the prosperity of the wicked. I. In the preface he proposes to awaken worldly people out of their security (Psa 49:1-3) and to comfort himself and other godly people in a day of distress (Psa 49:4, Psa 49:5). II. In the rest of the psalm, 1. He endeavours to convince sinners of their folly in doting upon the wealth of this world, by showing them (1.) That they cannot, with all their wealth, save their friends from death (Psa 49:6-9). (2.) They cannot save themselves from death (Psa 49:10). (3.) They cannot secure to themselves a happiness in this world (Psa 49:11, Psa 49:12). Much less, (4.) Can they secure to themselves a happiness in the other world (Psa 49:14). 2. He endeavours to comfort himself and other good people, (1.) Against the fear of death (Psa 49:15). (2.) Against the fear of the prospering power of wicked people (Psa 49:16-20). In singing this psalm let us receive these instructions, and be wise. To the chief musician. A psalm for the sons of Korah.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 49 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
The Folly of Trusting in Riches
1To him that excelleth. A Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah. Heare this, all ye people: giue eare, all ye that dwell in the world, 2As well lowe as hie, both rich and poore. 3My mouth shall speake of wisdome, and the meditation of mine heart is of knowledge. 4I will incline mine eare to a parable, and vtter my graue matter vpon the harpe. 5Wherefore should I feare in the euil dayes, when iniquitie shall compasse me about, as at mine heeles? 6They trust in their goods, and boast them selues in the multitude of their riches. 7Yet a man can by no meanes redeeme his brother: he can not giue his raunsome to God, 8(So precious is the redemption of their soules, and the continuance for euer) 9That he may liue still for euer, and not see the graue. 10For he seeth that wise men die, and also that the ignorant and foolish perish, and leaue their riches for others. 11Yet they thinke, their houses, and their habitations shall continue for euer, euen from generation to generation, and call their lands by their names. 12But man shall not continue in honour: he is like the beastes that die. 13This their way vttereth their foolishnes: yet their posteritie delite in their talke. Selah. 14Like sheepe they lie in graue: death deuoureth them, and the righteous shall haue domination ouer them in the morning: for their beautie shall consume, when they shall goe from their house to graue. 15But God shall deliuer my soule from the power of the graue: for he will receiue me. Selah. 16Be not thou afrayd when one is made rich, and when the glory of his house is increased. 17For he shall take nothing away when he dieth, neither shall his pompe descende after him. 18For while he liued, he reioyced himselfe: and men will prayse thee, when thou makest much of thy selfe. 19He shall enter into the generation of his fathers, and they shall not liue for euer. 20Man is in honour, and vnderstandeth not: he is like to beasts that perish.