Psalms 49

A wisdom Psalm addressing the universal problem of why the wicked prosper. The Psalmist commands all people, high and low, rich and poor, to listen to his wise saying. The Psalmist warns that no man can redeem his brother or pay God a ransom for him to live forever. Therefore, do not fear when the wicked grow rich. When they die, their glory and wealth cannot follow them. The Psalmist concludes that man, despite his honor, does not endure but is like the beasts that perish.