Psalm 49:12

The Evanescence of Wealth · Psalm 49:1–20
Read Psalm 49

Translations

Modern
But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish.
Traditional
Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
Literal
And man in his wealth does not remain; he becomes like the beasts that perish.
Latin
Et homo, cum in honore esset, non intellexit. Comparatus est jumentis insipientibus, et similis factus est illis.

Original

Hebrew
English
But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish.

Notes

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

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Trusting God in the Psalms Wisdom Psalms

Parallels

Ecclesiastes 5:8–20

Glossary

David Korahite, Korathite Music Numbers, Book of Poor, the Psalms, Book of

Topics

Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Ambition: Vanity of Animals: Nature of Beasts: Devoid of Immortality The Wicked are Compared to Beasts Wicked (People): Compared With: Animals Wicked (People): Prosperity of