10 For all can see that the wise die,
that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
leaving their wealth to others.
11 Their tombs will remain their houses for ever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had named lands after themselves.
12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure;
they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
14 They are like sheep and are destined to die;
death will be their shepherd
(but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.
These verses, 10-14, continue the "riddle" that began in verse 5 of Psalm 49. According to the riddle, what "fate" awaits both the wise and the foolish?
In one sentence, what would you say is the point of the full riddle?
15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
he will surely take me to himself.
16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
when the splendour of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
their splendour will not descend with them.
18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed –
and people praise you when you prosper –
19 they will join those who have gone before them,
who will never again see the light of life.
20 People who have wealth but lack understanding
are like the beasts that perish. NIV-UK
How is verse 15 related to verses 7-9?
How are verses 16-20 related to verses 1-4?
What would you say is the moral of this riddle?
What does the writer want us to learn about the following circumstances:
- money that others have
- money that we have
- the fragility of life
- the priorities of life
::::: APPLICATION CHALLENGE :::::
Where in your life do you need to be more godly, more wise, and less foolish?
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