Add parallel Print Page Options

I will listen carefully to a proverb,
    and with the harp[a] I will interpret my riddle.
Why should I be afraid in evil times
    when I am beset by the wickedness of my foes,[b]
those who place their trust in their wealth
    and boast of the abundance of their riches?

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 49:5 The psalmist alludes to a kind of inspiration: since all wisdom is from God (see Job 28), he lent his ear to hear it; at the same time, he makes use of the harp, the instrument that accompanied prophesying (see 1 Sam 10:5f; 2 Ki 3:15).
  2. Psalm 49:6 The psalmist stresses that there is no reason to fear the wicked, for they place their trust in their wealth—which is powerless to save them from God (see vv. 8-10).

Why should I fear(A) when evil days come,
    when wicked deceivers surround me—
those who trust in their wealth(B)
    and boast(C) of their great riches?(D)
No one can redeem the life of another
    or give to God a ransom for them—

Read full chapter