Psalm 49

 

1 Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: 2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together. 3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. 4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. 5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? 6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth forever:) 9 That he should still live forever, and not see corruption. 10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. 12 Nevertheless, man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. 14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them, and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. 16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. 18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee when thou doest well to thyself. 19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. 20 Man that is in honour and understandeth not is like the beasts that perish.

Prayer:

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, as we ponder the words of Psalm 49, we are reminded of the transient nature of wealth and the enduring value of our souls. Hear our prayers, O Lord, as we come before You, recognizing that all people, from the lowly to the high, are subject to the same fate.

Grant us wisdom and understanding, that our mouths may speak of the things that truly matter. May our ears be inclined to hear the parables of life, and our hearts be attuned to the deeper meanings of Your word.

In the face of life's uncertainties, help us not to fear the days of evil, for our trust is in You, and our souls find their redemption in Your unfailing love. Keep us from putting our confidence in wealth and the pride of possessions, for none can ransom another, and the wealth of this world cannot buy eternal life.

As we witness the passing of the wise, the fool, and the brutish alike, instill in us the wisdom to set our hearts on things of eternal value. Let us not be deceived by the fleeting nature of worldly success, for the glory of man is like the flowers of the field that wither away.

In the face of earthly uncertainties, may we find solace in the assurance that You, O God, will redeem our souls from the power of the grave. In the light of Your salvation, the transient beauty of this world fades, and we fix our gaze on the eternal morning where the upright shall have dominion.

Grant us discernment, O Lord, that we may not be afraid when worldly riches increase, for true wealth is found in the abundance of Your grace and the promise of redemption. Let our lives be a testimony to Your enduring love, and may we be found faithful in the eternal inheritance that You provide.

In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, we pray.

Amen.


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