In Psalms, chapter forty-nine, verses one through twenty, stresses the futility of trusting in riches and the transitory nature this earth offers. The psalmist declares that the person whose life consists of an abundance of possessions or worldly pleasures or fame, as in Matthew six, verses nineteen through twenty-one and Luke twelve, verse fifteen, rather than in seeking God and His kingdom, will perish, as in verses twelve through fourteen, and verses sixteen to seventeen. On the other hand, those who live for God will be redeemed from the grave.
The theme, under the folly of trusting riches, describes the people living of all classes to listen carefully to chapter forty-nine. In verse three, what the mouth speaks and the heart understands is the value in this life. The words we receive and live by will determine our future destiny. Will it be with God? Or not. The folly of trusting riches oftentimes entangles with a form of sin.
For some people, Mammon is money, material wealth, or the pursuit of greedy gain. It consumes their hearts and minds and becomes their deity. The sad situation is that those who pursue this life do not realize this in verse seven, “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” The soul is precious and will still live on even after death.
“Hear this” is the title. The words are the first two of the chapter. The soul that receives salvation is precious to those who accept God and live on with Him after earthly life. However, the perception is to get rich quickly and enjoy the wealth. Still, some wealthy people park themselves and live, believing they can do anything they want or desire.
There are two kinds of people on earth: the godly and the ungodly. Some individuals live for God. While those who live for reasons other than God. The ungodly will have challenges, but not spiritually. Since they are living according to the course of this world, which the devil wants those people to pursue.
Still, the godly who serve the Lord and attempt to live positively will have challenges in all good things. The devil opposes them because he sees the narrow path they are on to God.