Psalm 49:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah

NIV: This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

NASB: This is the way of those who are foolish, And of those after them who approve their words. Selah

CSB: This is the way of those who are arrogant, and of their followers, who approve of their words. Selah

NLT: This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise. Interlude

KJV: This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.

NKJV: This is the way of those who are foolish, And of their posterity who approve their sayings. Selah

Both rich and poor, alike, should understand what wealth can or cannot do (Psalm 49:1–2). Wealthy people often trust in their riches instead of in God. Being able to solve earthly problems with money can numb someone to their spiritual needs (Psalm 49:10). It becomes easier to believe one has no need of help—that they are self-sufficient. Scripture calls such trust "foolish confidence." The psalmist also shakes his head to think that people approve of wealthy boasting about their security.

An almost exact example of this scenario is found in one of Jesus' parables (Luke 12:13–21). He commented on the condition of a rich farmer who felt secure because his crops produced a super-abundant harvest. The man did not realize God would call him into eternity that very night. Despite feeling so secure, he was just as vulnerable as any other man. Jesus observed, "So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). Jesus also commented that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:25). He followed this comment by explaining that it is possible for a rich person to be saved, but it requires an act of God (Luke 18:27). Worldly wealth can be used for good purposes (1 Timothy 4:4; 6:17–19) but it comes with many risks, as well.

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.

As did Psalm 73, this passage tackles the riddle of how to respond to prosperity among those who reject God. Just as did Asaph (Psalm 73:15–19), the psalmist concludes that the prosperous wicked face a hopeless end. The righteous have an endless hope. This psalm is rightfully regarded as a wisdom psalm. Several themes, such as the temporary nature of wealth, are echoed in the book of Proverbs.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.