Psalms 49:1-20

Psalm PSALM—NOTE ON Psalms 49:1. This is a wisdom psalm. In particular, it addresses the confusion that the faithful often feel when they encounter trouble even while unfaithful people seem to get along so well. Is not God expected to show his favor for the faithful in how he treats them? The answer is that God will distinguish between the faithful and the unfaithful in what happens to them when they die (vv. Psalms 49:12, Psalms 49:20). Verses Psalms 49:12 and Psalms 49:20 are very similar, the key difference being in the words translated “remain” and “understanding,” which sound almost the same in Hebrew. The element of understanding makes the difference. Those who sing this psalm will want to continue living faithfully. They will be strengthened against the temptation either to despair or to give up and join the unfaithful. See also Psalms 37:1 and Psalms 73:1.