Man, despite his riches, does not endure.
—Psalm 49:12
Death is the great equalizer: it treats rich and poor the same. Psalm 49 highlights the short-lived glory of fame and fortune. To paraphrase its points:
All the money in the world cannot buy immunity from death (vv. 7-9).
Both the wise and the foolish die and leave their wealth to others (v. 10).
The rich may have a fat portfolio; a business, building, or street may be named for them; but they will soon move out of their mansion and into their grave (vv. 11, 14).
Don’t be overly impressed with the rich and famous; they won’t take a dime with them when they die (vv. 16-17).
Though men praise you when you prosper and applaud you when you achieve, you will soon join your ancestors (vv. 18-19).
No matter how rich you are, when your
time comes you can’t buy more time.