Psalms 49
The psalmist addresses all nations, saying that those who trust in their wealth and power will not be able to redeem themselves from death, and their riches will be left to others. Despite their earthly honors, they will perish like senseless beasts, and their glory will not last. In contrast, God will redeem the psalmist's soul from death, and the righteous will ultimately have dominion over the wicked. The psalmist warns not to be afraid of the rich and powerful, for they will take nothing with them when they die.
Unto the end. A Psalm to the sons of Korah. Hear these things, all nations. Pay attention, all inhabitants of the worldwhoever is earth-born, you sons of men, together as one, the rich and the poorMy mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will speak prudenceI will incline my ear to a parable. I will open my case with the psalteryWhy should I fear in the evil day? The iniquity at my heel will surround meThose who trust in their own strength and who glory in the multitude of their richesno brother redeems, nor will man buy back. He will not give to God his appeasementnor the price for the redemption of his soul. And he will labor continuouslyand he will still live, until the endHe will not see death, when he sees the wise dying: the foolish and the senseless will perish together. And they will leave their riches to strangersAnd their sepulchers will be their houses forever, their tabernacles from generation to generation. They have called their names in their own landsAnd man, when he was held in honor, did not understand. He has been compared to the senseless beasts, and he has become like themThis way of theirs is a scandal to them. And afterwards, they will delight in their mouthThey have been placed in Hell like sheep. Death will feed on them. And the just will have dominion over them in the morning. And their help will grow old in Hell for their gloryEven so, truly God will redeem my soul from the hand of Hell, when he will receive meDo not be afraid, when a man will have been made rich, and when the glory of his house will have been multipliedFor when he dies, he will take nothing away, and his glory will not descend with himFor his soul will be blessed in his lifetime, and he will admit to you when you do good to himHe will even enter with the progeny of his fathers, but, even in eternity, he will not see the lightMan, when he was in honor, did not understand. He has been compared to the senseless beasts, and he has become like them
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