Understanding Psalm 49: Wisdom vs. Wealth – What the Bible Really Teaches

Let's do sometjhing different today. 

Psalm 49:12 and Psalm 49:20 may seem contradictory at first glance, but they are not. Both verses highlight an essential truth about humanity’s fleeting nature and our need for wisdom, but they approach the subject from different angles.

Let’s begin by looking closely at each verse:

Psalm 49:12 KJV
"Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish."

Psalm 49:20 KJV
"Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish."

At first, these verses seem to say almost the same thing—that people are like animals that die. But with deeper exploration, we can see a clear distinction in their meanings.

The Context of Psalm 49

Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm, meant to teach us lessons about life and the futility of trusting in wealth or human status. The psalmist addresses people who trust in their riches and believe that their honor and influence can protect them from death. The psalm reminds us that everyone, regardless of wealth or power, will eventually face death. Psalm 49 warns us about the dangers of living without understanding or acknowledging the temporary nature of our existence.

Now let’s break down each verse and its meaning.

Understanding Psalm 49:12

"Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish."

This verse refers to the temporary nature of human life. Regardless of status, power, or wealth, people do not "abide" forever. The word "honour" in this context refers to people who are successful, wealthy, or esteemed. They may have all the comforts and accolades the world can offer, but their position cannot save them from death.

The comparison to animals ("beasts that perish") highlights the fact that humans, despite our advancements and sense of superiority, share the same fate as animals—death. Just as animals live and die, so do people, no matter how "honored" they may be during their lifetime.

The key message here is about the futility of relying on wealth or status for security. Without understanding this truth, people live lives that ultimately have no lasting value, just like the animals who perish.

Understanding Psalm 49:20

"Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish."

This verse takes the previous thought a step further by introducing the element of "understanding." It speaks about people who are in positions of honor or wealth but lack wisdom or spiritual understanding.

The word "understandeth not" implies ignorance of one’s mortality, purpose, or need for God. This verse is a rebuke of those who live only for this life, indulging in the pleasures and honors of the world, but failing to recognize the greater spiritual truths that should guide their lives.

While both verses draw comparisons between humans and animals, verse 20 stresses that the absence of wisdom and understanding leads to a life without real meaning. It’s not just about dying like animals but living without insight into God’s purpose. Such a life is considered wasted, regardless of how much honor or wealth someone has acquired.

How Are They Different?

The main difference between the two verses is the introduction of "understanding" in Psalm 49:20. Psalm 49:12 is a general statement about the fate of all people—everyone, regardless of status, will die. Psalm 49:20, on the other hand, adds an important qualifier: those who do not understand or acknowledge their mortality and spiritual purpose are like animals. The problem here isn’t just mortality; it’s the lack of wisdom in life.

In simpler terms:

• Psalm 49:12 is a reminder that we will all face death, no matter how honored we are in life.
• Psalm 49:20 warns that those who don’t understand this truth and live accordingly are no better than animals, living without purpose or insight.

Jewish Insights and Biblical Commentary

The Jewish Bible (Tanakh) and many commentaries offer further insight into these verses. The Hebrew word for "understand" in verse 20 is "binah," which refers to discernment, insight, or wisdom. The commentary of Rashi, a prominent Jewish scholar, emphasizes that "man in his honor" refers to someone rich and powerful but who does not use that position for good or to grow in wisdom. Such a person is like an animal because they fail to elevate their life through spiritual understanding.

The Talmud also highlights the importance of wisdom over wealth. In one passage, it says that a wise pauper is better than a rich fool because wisdom leads to a life of eternal significance, while wealth alone cannot save anyone from death.

Lessons for Us Today

The lesson from these two verses is clear: without understanding, all the honor and wealth in the world mean nothing. It’s not enough to be successful or esteemed by others. What matters is how we live our lives—whether we live with wisdom and the knowledge that this life is temporary.

One powerful scripture to add here is from Proverbs 4:7 (KJV): "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." This reinforces that acquiring wisdom is more valuable than anything else.

In conclusion, these verses in Psalm 49 are not contradictory but complementary. They remind us that while death comes for everyone, the difference lies in whether we live with understanding or ignorance. Those who pursue wisdom and live with an awareness of God's purposes will find true honor, both in this life and the next.