PSALM 49
Whether you are rich or poor, this psalm is for you (v. 2) because it deals with two important subjects: death and money. “Do not boast in your wealth or trust in your wealth,” wrote the psalmist, and he explained why.
Your wealth cannot prevent death (5–9). When Queen Elizabeth I was dying, she said, “All my possessions for one moment of time.” Although money can buy medicine and professional help, it cannot buy God off when the death angel comes to claim you.
Your wealth cannot go with you (10–15). The dead bodies of both men and beasts turn to dust in the grave, and the rich are not exempt from this end. When a believer dies, the spirit goes to be with the Lord (
Your wealth cannot buy permanent fame (16–20). Men praise the rich while they live, honor them when they die (and perhaps hope to inherit something), and then forget them. The rich man can build himself a monument, but he cannot make people remember him.
Verse 15 reveals the believer’s assurance of future resurrection (
“There are no pockets in shrouds.”
Jewish Proverb