Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

Ps 49 In this wisdom psalm, a wise teacher warns against enemies, whom he portrays as living a rich lifestyle and caring only for themselves (49:5-9). They cannot keep anyone alive, least of all themselves, even in their memories (49:10-12). Like fattened animals, they are led to slaughter (49:14-20).

49:1-4 The wisdom teacher invites everyone to the hall of wisdom; he promises to instruct with a proverb and a riddle.

49:1-2 Anyone who will listen can gain wisdom (Prov 1:5, 8, 33).

Verse 4

49:4 The teacher used both proverbs and riddles for instruction in wisdom (see Prov 1:5-6).

Verse 5

49:5-8 If enemies who live for material rewards cannot sustain themselves, how can they give life to others?

Verse 11

49:11-12 The teacher brings wisdom through irony. Everyone dies, and even those with estates named after them will be forgotten.

Verse 13

49:13-15 The teachers of false wisdom cannot rescue themselves from death. Only God has that power.

Verse 16

49:16-20 The wicked might have rich, luxurious lives, but they forget that they cannot avoid death.