Psalms 49
The Folly of Trusting in Riches
1 Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: Parallel theme: Psalms 33:8, 34:11, 78:1, Isaiah 49:6, Matthew 11:15, Romans 3:29, 10:18, Revelation 2:7, 2:17, 2:29 +5
2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together. Parallel theme: Psalms 62:9, Job 34:19, Proverbs 22:2
3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. Parallel theme: Psalms 19:14, 37:30, 45:1, 119:130, Deuteronomy 32:2, Job 33:3, 33:33, Proverbs 22:17, Matthew 12:35 +4
4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. Darkness: Psalms 78:2, Numbers 12:8, Proverbs 1:6. Parallel theme: Numbers 23:7, Matthew 13:35
5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? Parallel theme: Acts 27:24
6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; Faith: Psalms 52:7, Mark 10:24, 1 Timothy 6:17. Parallel theme: Jeremiah 9:23
7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: Redemption: Matthew 20:28, 1 Peter 1:18. Parallel theme: Matthew 16:26, 25:9
8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) Parallel theme: Matthew 16:26
9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. Parallel theme: Psalms 16:10, 89:48
10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Parallel theme: Psalms 5:9, 10:6, 64:6, Genesis 4:17, 2 Samuel 18:18, Ezekiel 38:10
12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. Parallel theme: Psalms 39:5, 49:20, 82:7, Ecclesiastes 9:12
13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. Parallel theme: Psalms 39:11, Job 30:23, Daniel 7:22, Malachi 4:3, Luke 22:30, Romans 8:36, 1 Corinthians 6:2 +2
15 But God will redeemRedeem: גָּאַל (Gaal). The Hebrew gaal (גָּאַל) means to redeem or act as kinsman-redeemer (go'el)—buying back family property or relatives. It foreshadows Christ redeeming His people through His blood. my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. References God: Psalms 56:13, Genesis 5:24, Acts 7:59. Redemption: Psalms 31:5, Hosea 13:14, Revelation 5:9. Parallel theme: Psalms 73:24, 86:13, 89:48, Luke 23:46 +5
16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; Glory: Revelation 21:24, 21:26. Parallel theme: Psalms 37:7
17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Glory: 1 Corinthians 15:43. Parallel theme: Job 27:19, Luke 16:24, 1 Timothy 6:7
18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. Blessing: Deuteronomy 29:19. Parallel theme: Luke 12:19
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. Light: Psalms 56:13, Job 33:30. Parallel theme: Genesis 15:15
20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. Parallel theme: Psalms 49:12