Psalms 49:5-15 - Exposition

The prelude, or introduction, being over, the substance of the "dark saying" is now brought forth. The problem is propounded. On the one hand are the righteous, fallen upon evil days, surrounded by treacherous foes, ever on the watch to do them a mischief ( Psalms 49:5 ); on the other are the wicked, "trusting in their wealth, and boasting themselves in the multitude of their riches" ( Psalms 49:6 ), so opulent that they build houses which they expect to "continue for ever" and proprietors on such a scale that their lands are "called after their names" ( Psalms 49:11 ); and both parties equally short-lived, soon swept away from earth ( Psalms 49:10 , Psalms 49:12 ). How is it that God allows all this, and how is man to reconcile himself to it? Simply by two reflections—one, that for the wicked, who have their portion in this life, there is no hope of happiness after death ( Psalms 49:14 , Psalms 49:17 ); and the other that "God will redeem the righteous from the power of the grave, and will receive them" ( Psalms 49:15 ).