Psalms 49 ~ Listen and Read Along

Dramatized KJV
 JV McGee
This is the last psalm in this series of psalms of the Korahites. They paint in this psalm the emptiness of the world in the light of God's judgment at the end of time. That emptiness will then be visible to all. What is written in this Psalm already reveals that emptiness to the believers now and therefore will already have its effect on all that they possess, are, and strive for.

The psalmist communicates his conclusion as a proverb (singular, Psalm 49:4). He does so in two stanzas, both of which end with a refrain (49:12 and 49:20). This refrain speaks of the perishablity of wealth and the inevitability of death. We see an illustration of this in the parable the Lord Jesus tells about a rich fool (Luke 12:16-21).

The Treasury of David

 

Why Should I Fear in Times of Trouble?    

Psalms 49:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
Psalms 49:2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
Psalms 49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Psalms 49:4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
Psalms 49:5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?
Psalms 49:6 They that trust 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 give 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 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
Psalms 49:10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
Psalms 49:11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
Psalms 49:12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
Psalms 49:13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
Psalms 49:14 Like 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 beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Psalms 49:16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
Psalms 49:17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
Psalms 49:19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
Psalms 49:20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
  
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