For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. Hear this, all you peoples. Listen, all you inhabitants of the world,

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 49. For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. Hear this, all you peoples. Listen, all you inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together. My mouth will speak words of wisdom. My heart will utter understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will solve my riddle on the harp. Why should I fear in the days of evil, when iniquity at my heels surrounds me? 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 God a ransom for him. For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough, that he should live on forever, that he should not see corruption. For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is that their houses will endure forever, and their dwelling places to all generations. They name their lands after themselves. But man, despite his riches, doesn’t endure. He is like the animals that perish. This is the destiny of those who are foolish, and of those who approve their sayings. Selah. They are appointed as a flock for Sheol. Death shall be their shepherd. The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning. Their beauty shall decay in Sheol, far from their mansion. But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah. Don’t be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; for when he dies he will carry nothing away. His glory won’t descend after him. Though while he lived he blessed his soul— and men praise you when you do well for yourself— he shall go to the generation of his fathers. They shall never see the light. A man who has riches without understanding, is like the animals that perish.

Worship Lyrics

For the Chief Musician
A Psalm by the sons of Korah
Hear this, all you peoples
Listen, all you inhabitants of the world
Both low and high, rich and poor together
My mouth will speak words of wisdom
My heart will utter understanding
I will incline my ear to a proverb
I will solve my riddle on the harp
Why should I fear in the days of evil, when iniquity at my heels surrounds me
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 God a ransom for him
For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough
That he should live on forever, that he should not see corruption
For he sees that wise men die
Likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others
Their inward thought is that their houses will endure forever
And their dwelling places to all generations
They name their lands after themselves
But man, despite his riches, doesnt endure
He is like the animals that perish
This is the destiny of those who are foolish
And of those who approve their sayings
Selah
They are appointed as a flock for Sheol
Death shall be their shepherd
The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning
Their beauty shall decay in Sheol, far from their mansion
But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me
Selah
Dont be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased
For when he dies he will carry nothing away
His glory wont descend after him
Though while he lived he blessed his soul— and men praise you when you do well for yourself—
He shall go to the generation of his fathers
They shall never see the light
A man who has riches without understanding, is like the animals that perish

About This Psalm

Psalm 49 is a praise psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: praise, trust

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 49 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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