1 Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, all you who live in the world, ISV — Psalm 49:1
2 both average people and those of means, a49:2 Lit. both sons of Adam and sons of men the rich and the poor together. ISV — Psalm 49:2
3 My mouth will speak wisely, and I will understand what I think about. ISV — Psalm 49:3
4 I will focus my attention on b49:4 Lit. will incline my ear to a proverb; I will use the harp to expound my riddle. ISV — Psalm 49:4
5 Why should I be afraid when evil days come my way, when the wickedness of those who deceive me surrounds me— ISV — Psalm 49:5
6 those who put confidence in their wealth and boast about their great riches? ISV — Psalm 49:6
7 No man can redeem the life of another, c49:7 Lit. of a brother nor can he give to God a sufficient payment for him— ISV — Psalm 49:7
8 for it would cost too much to redeem his life, and the payments would go on forever— ISV — Psalm 49:8
9 that he should go on living and not see corruption. ISV — Psalm 49:9
10 Indeed, he will see wise people die; the stupid and the senseless will meet their doom and leave their wealth to others. ISV — Psalm 49:10
11 Their inner thoughts are on d49:11 So MT DSS 4QPs 4QPs; LXX reads Their graves are their homes forever; their dwellings from generation to generation. They even name their lands after themselves. ISV — Psalm 49:11
12 But humanity cannot last, despite its conceit; e49:12 So MT; DSS 4QPsSyr LXX read Humans, held in honor, had no understanding; it will pass away just like the animals. f49:12 So MT; LXX reads they resembled senseless animals, and became like them; DSS 4QPs read they are like animals that perish ISV — Psalm 49:12
13 This is the fate of those who are foolish and of those who correct their words after they speak. Interlude ISV — Psalm 49:13
14 Like sheep, they are destined for the realm of the dead, g49:14 Lit. for Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead with death as their shepherd. The upright will have dominion over them in the morning; their strength will be consumed in the afterlife, h49:14 Lit. in Sheol; i.e. the realm of the dead so that they have no home. ISV — Psalm 49:14
15 God will truly redeem me from the power i49:15 Lit. hand of Sheol. j49:15 i.e. the realm of the dead He will surely receive me! Interlude ISV — Psalm 49:15
16 Don’t be afraid when someone gets rich, when the glory of his household increases. ISV — Psalm 49:16
17 When he dies, he will not be able to take it all with him k49:17 The Heb. lacks with him — his possessions l49:17 Or glory will not follow him to the grave, m49:17 The Heb. lacks to the grave ISV — Psalm 49:17
18 although he considers himself blessed while he’s alive. Though people praise you for doing well, ISV — Psalm 49:18
19 you will end up like your n49:19 Lit. his ancestors’ generation, never again to see the light of day! ISV — Psalm 49:19
20 Humanity, despite its conceit, does not understand that it will perish, just like the animals. ISV — Psalm 49:20