Translations
Modern
A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
Traditional
Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
Literal
A man in his splendor does not understand; he is like the beasts that perish!
Latin
Homo, cum in honore esset, non intellexit. Comparatus est jumentis insipientibus, et similis factus est illis.
Original
Hebrew
English
A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
Notes
The wicked might have rich, luxurious lives, but they forget that they cannot avoid death.
In this wisdom psalm, a wise teacher warns about enemies who live richly and care only for themselves (Psalm 49:5–9). They cannot save anyone, not even themselves, from death or being forgotten (Psalm 49:10–12). Like fattened animals, they are led to slaughter (Psalm 49:14–20).
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
David Korahite, Korathite Music Numbers, Book of Poor, the Psalms, Book of
Topics
Ambition: Vanity of Beasts: The Wicked Death of the Wicked Rulers: Wicked Wicked (People): Described