What does Psalm 49:15 mean?
The psalmist's confidence was not anchored in material goods (Psalm 49:10–13), but in God's grace. He knew God would keep his soul from death and the grave, here referred to using the word Sheol. The wicked who reject God will suffer eternal death, but those who come to faith in God have life beyond the grave.This gives reasons to anticipate a glorious reception. Although Job lived long before the Scriptures were written, he had a similar confidence. He declared, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another" (Job 19:25–27). The apostle Peter encourages Christians to anticipate the unveiling of Jesus Christ at His coming. At that time, the testing of their faith will result in praise, honor, and glory (1 Peter 1:7). Furthermore, Christians can "rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory" (1 Peter 1:8).
Psalm 49:13–20 further explains what happens to wicked people who trust in money rather than in God. Sheol—death and the grave—is their destiny. Righteous people should not be jealous of them or fear them. The rich leave everything behind when they die, no different than a poor person. For a second time, the writer compares physical death to that of animals.
The "riddle" in question is the fact that some rich persons are also wicked and ungodly. Rich and poor, alike, should remember that money is temporary. It is not a substitute for God's approval. All people face death and God's judgment. There is no reason to envy a person who has earthly wealth but lacks eternal hope.
