Study
40 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 49
An
inspired meditation, addressed to all men, on the vanity of riches.
It anticipates our Lord's teaching in Lk. 12:13 – 21.
- How do men in general regard wealth? See verses 6, 13, 18. But what are the facts? What can wealth not do (verses 7-9)? And what is the end of the rich man (verses 10-14, 17-20)?
- Why is it better to trust in God than in riches? See verses 14, 15. And what is the psalmist's counsel to himself and to us? See verses 5 and 16.
Note.
Verses 7 and 9 should be read together, verse 8 being parenthetical.
With verse 7 cf. Ex. 21:30. There were cases where, in human
relationships, life could be redeemed with money; but it is not so
when God summons, the soul.
