Man, despite his riches, does not endure.
—Psalm 49:12
Death is the great equalizer; it treats the rich and poor equally.
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 people 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.