Psalms 49:10
“For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.”
Psalms 49:10 in 8 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- He shall not see destruction, when he shall see the wise dying: the senseless and the fool shall perish together: And they shall leave their riches to strangers:
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- For he shall see it. Wise men die; The fool and the brutish alike perish, And leave their wealth to others.
- DARBYDarby
- For he seeth that wise men die; all alike, the fool and the brutish perish, and they leave their wealth to others.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- For he seeth wise men die, Together the foolish and brutish perish, And have left to others their wealth.
- BPVBiblePics Version
- For they see that wise men die; the fool and the brutish perish, leaving their wealth to others.
- BPVBiblePics Version
- For they see that wise men die; the fool and the brutish perish, leaving their wealth to others.
Context: Psalms 49
8(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
9That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
10For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11Their 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.
12Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
About Psalms 49: The Folly of Trusting in Wealth
Psalm 49 is a poetic reminder that wealth and riches cannot save us from death. The psalmist urges everyone, from the lowly to the wealthy, to pay attention and understand the fleeting nature of life. They encourage listeners to trust in God rather than material possessions, as wealth can never truly bring eternal security.
Commentary
The psalmist begins with an attention-grabbing message: "Hear this, all peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world" (verse 1). They then explain that the rich and poor alike will face death (verses 6-10). The psalmist reminds us that no amount of wealth or status can prevent death, and encourages us not to fear those who seem to have more possessions (verses 16-17).The psalmist offers words of hope in the midst of this message of warning. They confidently state that God will redeem us from the power of the grave (verse 15), and that our righteousness will shine like the sun (verse 19). Moreover, they conclude by encouraging listeners to focus on what matters most: trusting in God and living a life that pleases Him.Psalm 49 serves as a sobering reminder that no amount of wealth, power, or status can offer eternal security. Our only hope is in God, who alone can redeem us from the grave and offer us true life. Let us then trust in God rather than in our possessions, for it is He who holds our future in His hands.