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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 49:6

They that trust in their wealth - The first reason why there was no cause of alarm is drawn Psalms 49:6-10 from the “powerlessness” of wealth, as illustrated by the fact that it can do nothing to save life or to prevent death. He refers to those who possess it as “trusting” in their wealth, or “relying on” that as the source of their power.And boast themselves - Pride themselves; or feel conscious of safety and strength because they are rich. It is the “power” which wealth is supposed to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 49:6-9

Psalms 49:6-9. They, &c. The psalmist, having said that good men had no sufficient cause of fear on account of what they might suffer from ungodly men, now proceeds to show that the ungodly had no reason to be secure because of their riches. That trust in their wealth As that which can secure them from calamities. None of them can redeem Either from the first or second death; his brother Whom he would do his utmost to preserve, nor consequently himself; nor give to God The only... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 49:1-20

Psalms 49:0 When rich and poor face deathRich and poor alike are asked to listen as the psalmist deals with a problem of life that concerns them both (1-4). The godly have no need to be anxious when the wealthy and powerful oppose them. After all, the wealthy cannot give their money to God to stop them from dying. Money cannot buy the right to live for ever. The wealthy also must die (5-9). Whether people be wise or foolish, rich or poor, they are no better off than the beasts when it comes to... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 49:6-8

Psalms 49:6-8. They that trust in their wealth, &c.— Some translate it, Confident men boast themselves in their wealth, and in the multitude of their riches: Psalms 49:7. One cannot by any means redeem the other, nor afford any ransom to God for him: Psalms 49:8. For it is of high price to purchase any one's life, that he should subsist for ever. Mr. Mudge's version of this passage is, Psalms 49:6. They that trust on their substance, and boast in the abundance of their riches; Psalms 49:7.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 49:1-20

Psalms 49The writer reflected on the problem that the prosperity of the wicked poses in this wisdom psalm (cf. Psalms 73). He observed that there are many ungodly people who enjoy many physical blessings. Still, he concluded that the righteous are better off because they have a sure hope for the future."The psalm is an encouragement to the godly who are haunted by the power and influence of the rich." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 366. See also Brueggemann, pp. 106-10.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 49:5-6

This rhetorical question sets forth the folly of fearing when wicked people oppose the righteous. It introduces the revelation that the prosperous ungodly enjoy a false security (Psalms 49:7-12)."It’s good to have things that money can buy, if we don’t lose the things money can’t buy. It’s sad when people start to confuse prices with values." [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 187.] read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 49:1-20

There is little to fix the date of this Ps. The writer moralises, in the fashion of the book of Proverbs, on the vanity of wealth and honour apart from understanding. The rich man cannot deliver his friends or himself from death, and his prosperity need cause no dismay to those who are less fortunate in this world. The upright, among whom the Psalmist counts himself, will be received by God, and thus made superior to the power of death. Psalms 49:12, Psalms 49:20 form, by their similarity, a... read more

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