Psalms 49:10

KJV

For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he seeth {H7200}{H8799)} that wise men {H2450} die {H4191}{H8799)}, likewise {H3162} the fool {H3684} and the brutish person {H1198} perish {H6}{H8799)}, and leave {H5800}{H8804)} their wealth {H2428} to others {H312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he can see that wise men will die, likewise the fool and the brute will perish and leave their wealth to others.

Berean Standard Bible

For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others.

American Standard Version

For he shall see it. Wise men die; The fool and the brutish alike perish, And leave their wealth to others.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 49:10 presents a profound and sobering truth about the universal dominion of death over all humanity, regardless of their wisdom, folly, or social standing. It starkly exposes the ultimate futility of trusting in earthly wealth and possessions, as death inevitably strips away all such temporal accumulations, rendering them meaningless in the face of eternity and forcing their transfer to others. This verse serves as a pivotal statement within a wisdom psalm that challenges the arrogance of the wealthy and calls all to consider the true source of lasting security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 is classified as a "maskil," an instructional or contemplative wisdom psalm designed to impart deep spiritual insight. It addresses a perennial human dilemma: the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, particularly those who trust in their material abundance. The psalmist invites all people, from every stratum of society, to "give ear" to his profound riddle or parable, emphasizing the importance of understanding this vital truth about life and death ([Psalms 49:1-4](/psalms/49-1-4 "Psalms 49:1-4 - An Invitation to Wisdom")). Verse 10 is a crucial lynchpin in the psalm's argument, providing undeniable evidence of death's impartiality. It immediately follows descriptions of the rich who trust in their vast possessions and believe their houses will endure forever ([Psalms 49:6-7](/psalms/49-6-7 "Psalms 49:6-7 - The Rich Who Trust in Wealth")) and precedes the psalmist's declaration of his own hope in God, who alone can redeem him from the power of the grave ([Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God's Redemption from the Grave")). The verse thus serves as a stark counterpoint to human hubris, highlighting the limitations of earthly power and wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, wealth was often perceived as a sign of divine favor, a source of security, and a means of establishing lasting influence and legacy. Large land holdings and accumulated riches were seen as indicators of blessing and stability. However, the biblical wisdom tradition, particularly evident in books like [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs - The Book of Wisdom") and [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes - The Vanity of Life"), frequently challenged this simplistic view, emphasizing that true wisdom and righteousness were far superior to fleeting riches. The cultural practice of inheritance, where possessions were passed down after death, is implicitly acknowledged in the phrase "leave their wealth to others." However, here it is presented not as a natural progression, but as a stark, unavoidable consequence that underscores the deceased's utter inability to retain their earthly gains. This verse speaks into a world where status and wealth often dictated one's perceived power and security, asserting that in the face of death, all such distinctions vanish.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 49:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 49 and the broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Mortality**, asserting that death is the ultimate equalizer, an inescapable reality for all humanity, regardless of their intellectual capacity, social standing, or moral character. This truth is foundational to understanding the vanity of earthly pursuits, a concept explored extensively in [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes - The Vanity of Life"), which frequently laments that "all is vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity")). Secondly, it highlights the **Transience of Wealth and Earthly Possessions**. Wealth cannot purchase an escape from death, nor can it be taken beyond the grave; it is inherently temporary and ultimately meaningless in the face of eternity. This theme contrasts sharply with the eternal nature of spiritual realities and God's enduring promises. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Futility of Earthly Security**, demonstrating that neither human wisdom nor material riches can provide ultimate safety or salvation from death's grip, challenging the common human tendency to trust in what is seen and tangible rather than in the unseen God, who alone is the source of true and lasting security ([Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise men (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450. This term refers to individuals possessing practical wisdom, discernment, and understanding, often associated with moral insight and the ability to navigate life successfully. In a biblical context, true wisdom is often linked to the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Here, the psalmist emphasizes that even those who are intellectually astute and practically discerning are not exempt from death's decree; their wisdom, however great, cannot avert their physical demise.
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From H3684. More than merely unintelligent, the _kᵉçîyl_ in biblical wisdom literature is characterized by a moral and spiritual deficiency. This type of fool is obstinate, resistant to instruction, rebellious against God's ways, and often acts without foresight or consideration for consequences. Their folly is rooted in a rejection of divine wisdom and an embrace of self-destructive paths.
* **Brutish person (Hebrew, _baʻar'_):** From H1198. This term denotes someone senseless, ignorant, or animal-like in their lack of spiritual awareness and moral discernment. It implies a dullness of mind and spirit, a person who lives without thoughtful consideration of God or eternal realities, akin to an unthinking beast driven by instinct rather than reason or divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he seeth [that] wise men die":** This opening clause presents an observable, undeniable truth that serves as the foundation for the psalmist's argument. The verb "seeth" (H7200, _râʼâh'_) implies a clear, undeniable perception based on common human experience. Even those revered for their intellect, insight, and understanding succumb to death. This immediately undermines any notion that human wisdom, no matter how profound or practically beneficial, can offer an escape from mortality. It sets a universal premise: death is the ultimate equalizer.
* **"likewise the fool and the brutish person perish":** This phrase extends the truth of universal mortality to the other end of the human spectrum, emphasizing death's absolute impartiality. It asserts that those lacking wisdom, whether morally deficient (the _kᵉçîyl_, fool) or spiritually dull and ignorant (the _baʻar_, brutish person), face the same ultimate physical end as the wise. The term "perish" (H6, _ʼâbad'_) reinforces the finality and destruction of earthly life, highlighting that all human beings, regardless of their intellectual or moral standing, are subject to the same fate.
* **"and leave their wealth to others":** This concluding clause highlights the ultimate consequence and profound irony of death for all, especially for the wealthy. Despite their efforts to accumulate riches, power, or security (H2428, _chayil'_), they are utterly unable to retain these possessions beyond the grave. All their material gains are inevitably left behind (H5800, _ʻâzab'_), passing into the hands of others (H312, _ʼachêr'_), thus rendering their earthly accumulation futile in the face of eternity. This serves as a powerful indictment against placing ultimate trust in temporal possessions.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 49:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and sobering message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the structure "wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish," which utilizes a form of synonymous or antithetical parallelism to underscore the universality of death across all human types. The inclusion of "wise men," "fool," and "brutish person" creates a comprehensive **triadic structure**, encompassing the full range of human intelligence and moral standing, thereby emphatically emphasizing that no one is exempt from mortality's grasp. There is a strong element of **irony** in the wise, who are supposed to possess understanding and foresight, facing the exact same ultimate end as the foolish, and particularly in the wealthy, who often trust in their riches, being utterly unable to take them beyond the grave. The verse also functions as a direct **didactic statement**, serving as a clear teaching or instruction within the broader wisdom psalm, aiming to impart a profound and inescapable truth about life, death, and the ultimate vanity of earthly pursuits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 49:10 serves as a stark theological declaration of human mortality and the inherent limitations of earthly existence. It powerfully reinforces the biblical truth that all human beings, regardless of their status, intellect, or material possessions, are subject to death. This reality profoundly challenges any worldview that places ultimate security or hope in temporal achievements or accumulated wealth. The verse underscores the vanity of earthly pursuits when viewed from an eternal perspective, prompting a re-evaluation of what truly holds lasting value. It subtly points to the need for a hope that transcends the grave, a hope not found in human wisdom or riches, but in the divine, hinting at God's unique power to redeem from the grave, a theme more fully developed later in the psalm.

* [Ecclesiastes 2:18](/ecclesiastes/2-18 "Ecclesiastes 2:18 - Leaving Wealth to Others")
* [Luke 12:20](/luke/12-20 "Luke 12:20 - The Rich Fool")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sobering truth of Psalms 49:10 compels us to profoundly re-evaluate our priorities and the foundations upon which we build our lives. If neither human wisdom nor accumulated wealth can ultimately save us from death or accompany us beyond the grave, then our deepest trust and most fervent pursuits must be directed elsewhere. This verse serves as a powerful call to invest in what is eternal, to cultivate a character pleasing to God, and to foster relationships rooted in divine love and service, rather than accumulating transient material possessions. It encourages a life lived with humility, recognizing our shared human vulnerability and the fleeting nature of earthly glory. It fosters a healthy detachment from the fleeting allure of worldly success and challenges the common human tendency to find identity or security in what we own or achieve. Ultimately, it directs our gaze beyond the temporal horizon, urging us to place our hope and security not in what we can acquire or achieve on earth, but in the immutable character and promises of God, who alone can redeem our souls from the power of the grave.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of security and value in my life, and how do they align with the truth of universal mortality?**
* **How does the reality that "wise men die, likewise the fool... perish" challenge my perception of human achievement and success?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly trusting in my own wisdom, resources, or status rather than in God alone?**
* **Knowing that I will "leave [my] wealth to others," how should this truth influence my financial decisions, generosity, and pursuit of material gain today?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that wisdom is useless or that it's wrong to be wise?**

Answer: Not at all. The verse does not diminish the value of wisdom but rather clarifies its ultimate limitation. Earthly wisdom, no matter how profound, cannot grant immortality or secure escape from death's grasp. The psalmist is contrasting human wisdom with divine wisdom and the ultimate power of God. True wisdom, biblically understood as the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), leads to eternal life and is indeed invaluable. The point is that even the most insightful human understanding cannot circumvent the universal decree of death or provide ultimate salvation.

**Is Psalm 49:10 condemning wealth or the wealthy?**

Answer: The verse is not an outright condemnation of wealth itself, nor does it imply that being wealthy is inherently sinful. Rather, it condemns the *trust* placed in wealth as a source of ultimate security, salvation, or lasting significance. The psalm critiques the arrogance and self-sufficiency that often accompany riches, especially when they lead individuals to believe they are immune to the common fate of humanity or that their wealth can purchase an escape from death. The problem lies in the heart's misplaced allegiance, prioritizing material possessions over God, as exemplified in the parable of the rich fool in [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool").

**What is the "hope" that this psalm offers, given the bleak reality of death?**

Answer: While Psalms 49:10 emphasizes the universal reality of death and the transience of earthly things, the psalm as a whole is not without hope. The psalmist contrasts the fate of those who trust in their wealth with his own confident expectation. In [Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God's Redemption from the Grave"), he declares, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me." This statement points to a hope beyond physical death, a belief in God's power to deliver from the ultimate consequence of mortality, implying a future with God. This hope is foundational to the psalm's message, urging readers to place their trust in the living God rather than in fleeting earthly security or human wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 49:10, with its stark declaration that "wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others," powerfully sets the stage for the absolute necessity of Christ. It underscores humanity's universal vulnerability to death and its utter inability to secure lasting life or retain possessions through any earthly means, whether human wisdom or material wealth. This verse highlights the ultimate problem that no human effort or earthly resource can solve: the inescapable reality of mortality and the futility of trusting in anything within creation. It is precisely into this hopeless human condition that Christ enters. He is the truly wise one, the very wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), and the rightful heir of all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God's Son, Heir of All Things")). Yet, He, too, "died" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")), not as a victim of sin's curse, but as a willing sacrifice, taking on the full weight of human mortality and the penalty for sin. However, unlike all who perish and leave their wealth, Christ did not remain in the grave. His resurrection fundamentally breaks the power of death, offering the only true escape from its dominion ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Through His death and resurrection, He provides the "inheritance" that no earthly wealth can buy—eternal life and an imperishable kingdom ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Thus, the despairing truth of Psalms 49:10 finds its glorious fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers true, lasting security and an eternal inheritance to all who place their faith in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Psalms 39:6

Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them.

Psalms 49:17

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

Psalms 94:8

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise?

Psalms 73:22

So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.

Jeremiah 10:8

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities.

Proverbs 30:2

Surely I [am] more brutish than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man.