Psalm 49 is a statement from the author to the people of his own generation.  It is one of those timeless warnings that nearly always go unheeded.  In spite of the thousands of times that the Bible tells us to “behold,” “hearken,” “lo,” “give ear,” etc.—we human beings have a sad legacy of paying little or no attention to the warnings that have been given by a holy God to warn us about false lives that are based on false trusts.

The structure of this poem has three main parts.  In verses 1-5, he gives the setting of his statement.  In verses 6-14, he gives the statement—“a lesson about false trust.” In verses 15-20, he gives the applications to all who will hear.

My friend, this psalm only has 20 verses—will you not read it, think on it, and apply it to yourself?  Please, please say “Yes”.

Hear this, all peoples; Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, Both low and high, Rich and poor together.  My mouth shall speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding.  I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will disclose my dark saying on the harp. Why should I fear in the days of evil, When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me? (vv. 1-5)

In these first 5 verses, we have the setting of Psalm 49. There are three points to be observed here. In verses 1 and 2, he clearly addresses his plea to all of the people of his time. He speaks to “all people,” to “all inhabitants of the world,” to low and high—rich and poor—“together.”  In verses 3 and 4, he claims that his message to them is wise and understanding, that he has heard it himself (in the form of a “proverb”—a similitude, or comparison), and that he will present it to his hearers “upon a harp.”  The use of the harp in this context, as in other Psalms, would refer to worshipful and devotional periods; thus implying the seriousness of the subject and occasion.  It compares to the themes that are in the songs we sing today as worship to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).  In verse 5, he describes the times in which he was living as being characterized by evil days and iniquity all around his heels.  Surely it is as true today to say that we live in times that are just as filled with temptation and sin.

Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him-- For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever-- That he should continue to live eternally,
 And not see the Pit. 
For he sees wise men die; Likewise the fool and the senseless person perish, And leave their wealth to others. Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever, Their dwelling places to all generations; They call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain; He is like the beasts that perish. 
This is the way of those who are foolish, 
And of their posterity who approve
 their sayings Selah 
Like sheep they are laid in the grave; Death shall feed on them; The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; And their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling. (vv. 6-14)

In these next nine verses, we have the statement of the psalm. It is a lesson on false trust. It teaches the lesson through the illustration of those who trust in wealth and the multitude of riches—their own!  Again, the Bible is full of such lessons.  And they are NOT addressed only to the rich (see Luke 12:15-21; 1 Timothy 6; and several sections of the letter of James for examples of this lesson). 
There are seven points that provide the hearer of this statement with the complete picture.  Viewing these points properly will allow all to understand the real situation of these “present evil times” (see Galatians 1:1-5).  Let us note each part of the picture:
False trust in one’s wealth and many riches (v. 6).
The total inability of such things to provide “redemption” (vv. 7-9).
The lessons that ought to be learned from the fact that all of us will die (v. 10).
The utter foolishness of their thoughts about “living on” through that which they leave behind (v. 11).
The same foolishness in the human concept of “honor” (v. 12).
The danger of leading our posterity into the same useless way of thinking (v. 13).
The ultimate victory of the upright over all who are consumed by worldly ideals—consumed by the grave (v. 14).

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Selah 
Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased; For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lives he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself), He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see light. A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beasts that perish. (vv. 15-20)

In these last 6 verses, our inspired author gives a series of useful applications. Remember, the psalm is addressed to all people in verses 1 and 2; so the applications are for all of the inhabitants of the earth, too.  Let us briefly note the applications, and then let us live according to them for the rest of our days. This will not only be the best way that we can accept God’s provision for our own spiritual welfare, and for those who come after us, it will also be a statement to all who are in sin that we believe in the ways of God as the only right ways.

The first application is by the author to himself—God will even take care of me by conquering the grave (v. 15).
Do not be overcome in any way by the earthly prosperity of others—they cannot take it with them (vv. 16,17).
Do not be carried away from good, upright principles by the praise of men, whether it is given to the rich, or even to you (v. 18).
Remember that no person can overcome the power of death. Human beings cannot prevent the spirit from leaving the body, and we cannot exert power in the day of death (v. 19; Ecclesiastes 8:8).
Human honor coupled with human “understanding” is the ultimate foolish life (v. 20).

Do you think that the writer of Psalm 49 would change the words or thoughts of this poem if he were writing it today?  Would it matter whether he wrote it to men or women, boys or girls, different ethnic groups, languages, or countries? 

Indeed, there are timeless lessons for all people in all places. The statement of Psalm 49 is such a lesson. Let us accept the fact that it is also addressed to us, and let us learn its lessons.
  — Skip Andrews

Next week: Psalm 50: 

I, Jehovah God, have something to say to this generation.
 
 
 

SICK LIST:  Lina Crookshank is in the Gainesville Hospital with bleeding ulcers.  Billy Wilson has had shoulder surgery.  Wednesday evening Jared and Jake Davis and Nathan Lanier were ill.
 

SYMPATHY:  We offer our sincere sympathy to the Kendrick family.  Wayne’s brother, Charles, passed away last week after battling cancer.  We extend our sympathy to the Haywood family.  Dee’s mother-in-law passed away; her funeral was Tuesday.  Dennis Hatchett’s aunt, Geneva Raby, from Huntsville, died Tuesday.  Her funeral was Thursday.  We pray we can be a comfort to these families at this time of their loss.
 
BAPTIZED:  Lydia Reid was baptized into Christ Monday evening.  We are so thankful for her example and life.
LADIES’ RETREAT:  Don’t forget our ladies’ retreat at Lake Hartwell planned for April 14 and 15.  There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer.  If you plan to attend, please sign up so we can plan for food and activities. 
FOR THE RECORD:
AM Class                141
AM Worship            163
PM Worship            107
Wednesday Class    121
Contribution   $6089
Budget           $6500
GOSPEL MEETING:  Franklin, Georgia, will be having a meeting April 9-13.  The theme is “Give Me the Bible.”  Thomas Reid, Ed Crookshank, and Rod Rutherford will be speaking.
THANK YOU:  We want to thank Sharon Kendrick for the beautiful flower arrangements.