What does Psalm 49:16 mean?

It's natural to become discouraged, jealous, or even fearful when godless people seem to prosper (Psalm 73:2–3). One solution to that angst is remembering that wealth does not buy favor with God (Psalm 49:10–13). Even if the world applauds the wicked person, that won't save them. This message is valuable to all people, regardless of wealth (Psalm 49:1–2). The rich should be warned not to see their money as a sign of God's moral approval.

In the Old Testament era, the wealthy were especially prone to abuse the poor. Such mistreatment also occurred in New Testament times, and it still occurs throughout the world today. The apostle James alludes to rich farmers who took advantage of their laborers. They kept back the laborers' wages by fraud, while they lived in luxury and in self-indulgence. James even accuses them of condemning and murdering the righteous person (James 5:1–6).

Jesus told His followers not to fear what wicked, influential men may do. He said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). Believers should neither fear nor envy the wicked rich. God has promised to meet all their needs (Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:19). First Peter 2:1 lists envy along with malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and slander as vices to be put away.