Psalm 49:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,

NIV: Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me--

NASB: Why should I fear in days of adversity, When the injustice of those who betray me surrounds me,

CSB: Why should I fear in times of trouble? The iniquity of my foes surrounds me.

NLT: Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me?

KJV: Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?

NKJV: Why should I fear in the days of evil, When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?

In Psalm 73, Asaph describes his frustration: seeing evil people who prosper (Psalm 73:2–3). Later in the song, he is reminded that those who defy God cannot escape judgment (Psalm 73:15–20). With a similar sentiment, the writer of Psalm 49 wonders aloud why he allowed his experience with cheats and frauds to become a discouragement. As he will note (Psalm 49:8–9), their wealth cannot save them from judgment at the hands of the Lord.

It is no sin to be wealthy, but it is immoral to use wealth to abuse others. The apostle James writes about greedy farmers who cheated the laborers who mowed their fields, holding back their promised wages. Though it might seem like the cheating businessmen had "won," James warns them to mourn for the ruin that awaits them (James 5:1–6). Christians should put money to good use. As stewards of all that God has given them (1 Corinthians 4:2), they should be generous, not stingy. Paul urged the Corinthian Christians to excel in the act of giving (2 Corinthians 9:8), to give bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6) and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Psalm 49:5–12 begins to describe and unravel the "riddle" previously mentioned. Though God warns about sin, wicked people may still prosper on earth. This can be discouraging to those who follow God but suffer at the hands of evil people. As the psalmist explains, ungodly people can only have a false sense of security. Wealth cannot buy pardon from sin. Ultimately, they will die and leave their wealth to others. The God-honoring person, however, has nothing to fear in eternity.

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.