Psalms 49

Psalms 49:1-20

In this wisdom psalm, a wise teacher warns about enemies who live richly and care only for themselves (Psalm 49:5–9). They cannot save anyone, not even themselves, from death or being forgotten (Psalm 49:10–12). Like fattened animals, they are led to slaughter (Psalm 49:14–20).

Psalms 49:1-4

The wisdom teacher invites everyone to come and learn wisdom. He promises to teach them through a proverb and a riddle.

Psalms 49:1-2

Anyone who will listen can gain wisdom (Proverbs 1:5, 8, 33).

Psalms 49:4

The teacher used proverbs and riddles to teach wisdom (see Proverbs 1:5–6).

Psalms 49:5-8

If enemies who live for material rewards cannot sustain themselves, how can they give life to others?

Psalms 49:11-12

The teacher uses irony to teach wisdom. Everyone dies, and even those who give their names to lands or estates will be forgotten.

Psalms 49:13-15

The teachers of false wisdom cannot rescue themselves from death. Only God has that power.

Psalms 49:16-20

The wicked might have rich, luxurious lives, but they forget that they cannot avoid death.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.