Psalm 49

“For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others” (v10).  The psalmist declared that death is the great leveler; whether we are rich or poor, wise or stupid, we all end up in the grave.  Wealthy people seem powerful while they are alive, but they too are helpless against death.  It is “foolish confidence” to trust in earthly riches, because we can’t take anything into eternity (v6,13,17).

“But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol [death], for he will receive me” (v15).  Rather than trusting in ourselves or fearing death, we can have total confidence that God is our Redeemer, now and forever.