📖 Psalms — Chapter 49 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Psalms 49:1 RHear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
Psalms 49:2 RBoth low and high, rich and poor, together.
Psalms 49:3 My Rmouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Psalms 49:4 I will Rincline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
Psalms 49:5 RWherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?
Psalms 49:6 They that Rtrust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
Psalms 49:7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor Rgive to God a ransom for him:
Psalms 49:8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
Psalms 49:9 RThat he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
Psalms 49:10 For he seeth that Rwise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
Psalms 49:11 RTheir inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to Tall generations; they call their lands after their own names.
Psalms 49:12 Nevertheless man being Rin honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
Psalms 49:13 This their way is their Rfolly: yet their posterity Tapprove their sayings. Selah.
Psalms 49:14 RLike 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 Tbeauty shall consume Tin the grave from their dwelling.
Psalms 49:15 But RGod will redeem my soul from the Tpower of Tthe grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Psalms 49:16 RBe not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
Psalms 49:17 For when he dieth Rhe shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
Psalms 49:18 Though Twhile he lived he Rblessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
Psalms 49:19 THe shall go Rto the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
Psalms 49:20 RMan that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 49:1–9 — Wealth cannot buy redemption
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The wisdom psalm addresses everyone, rich and poor, with a warning about trusting wealth. No human fortune can pay God a ransom sufficient to keep another person from death. The opening breaks the illusion that social rank or possessions provide ultimate security over the soul.
Key Truth: Wealth cannot secure life against death.
Check What You Remember
1. Which two economic groups are called to listen? (Psalms 49:2)
Find it in Psalms 49:2 (KJV).
2. What do some people trust? (Psalms 49:6)
Find it in Psalms 49:6 (KJV).
3. Whom can they not redeem by their own means? (Psalms 49:7)
Find it in Psalms 49:7 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 49:10–15 — Mortality and hope in God
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Wise and foolish alike die and leave wealth behind, despite dreams of permanent houses and remembered names. The speaker contrasts that reality with confidence that God will redeem and receive him. Hope reaches beyond possessions to God's power over the grave, without making earthly honor the measure of a life.
Key Truth: Lasting hope rests in God's redemption.
Check What You Remember
1. To whom is wealth left after death? (Psalms 49:10)
Find it in Psalms 49:10 (KJV).
2. What do people name after themselves? (Psalms 49:11)
Find it in Psalms 49:11 (KJV).
3. Who will redeem the speaker's soul? (Psalms 49:15)
Find it in Psalms 49:15 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 49:16–20 — Do not fear impressive riches
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The hearer is told not to be intimidated by another person's growing wealth and glory. Nothing is carried away in death, and honor without understanding offers no final protection. The closing warning redirects attention from admiration of success toward wisdom about what can and cannot last.
Key Truth: Visible honor is not ultimate security.
Check What You Remember
1. What will a rich person carry away when he dies? (Psalms 49:17)
Find it in Psalms 49:17 (KJV).
2. What will not descend after him? (Psalms 49:17)
Find it in Psalms 49:17 (KJV).
3. What does the honored but unwise person resemble? (Psalms 49:20)
Find it in Psalms 49:20 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Luke 12:20 — Jesus' parable exposes the limits of accumulated wealth before death.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can you use your resources responsibly without expecting them to provide the security that belongs to God?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. How does the audience undermine wealth-based exclusivity?
2. Why can wealth not secure another’s life?
3. How does naming lands contrast with mortality?
4. How does the speaker’s hope differ from wealthy self-confidence?
5. Why should growing glory not intimidate the hearer?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
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