Psalm 49:4

Translations

Modern

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:

Traditional

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Literal

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will open up my riddle with the harp.

Latin

Inclinabo in parabolam aurem meam; aperiam in psalterio propositionem meam.

Original

Hebrew

English

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:

Notes

Psalms 49:4

The teacher used proverbs and riddles to teach wisdom (see Proverbs 1:5–6).

Psalms 49:1–4

The wisdom teacher invites everyone to come and learn wisdom. He promises to teach them through a proverb and a riddle.

Psalms 49:1–20

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

Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 78:2
I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,
Matthew 13:35
So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
Numbers 23:7
And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’
Numbers 12:8
I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
Matthew 13:11–15
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
Luke 12:3
What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.
2 Corinthians 3:12
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
Proverbs 1:6
…by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
Daniel 8:23
In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.
Ezekiel 20:49
Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’”

Psalm 49:4

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