Psalms 49:16

KJV

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not thou afraid {H3372}{H8799)} when one {H376} is made rich {H6238}{H8686)}, when the glory {H3519} of his house {H1004} is increased {H7235}{H8799)};

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be afraid when someone gets rich, when the wealth of his family grows.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be amazed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases.

American Standard Version

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, When the glory of his house is increased:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 49:16 offers a profound and timeless admonition, urging the faithful not to succumb to fear, anxiety, or envy when confronted with the transient material prosperity and increasing social status of the unrighteous. This verse, situated within a wisdom psalm, challenges the common human tendency to measure worth and security by outward appearances of wealth, redirecting the listener's focus from fleeting earthly glory to the enduring truths of God's sovereign justice and the ultimate, spiritual destiny of all humanity beyond the grave. It provides a foundational perspective for maintaining inner peace and trust in God amidst the often-perplexing realities of worldly success.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 49 is designated as a *Maskil*, an instructional or contemplative psalm, designed to provoke deep reflection on a perennial theological dilemma: the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. The psalmist begins by issuing a universal call to attention, inviting all people, regardless of their social standing, to heed the profound wisdom that follows, as articulated in [Psalms 49:1-4](/psalms/49-1-4 "Psalms 49:1-4 - A Call to Hear Wisdom"). The verses immediately preceding our focus establish the fundamental futility of trusting in worldly riches, unequivocally stating that wealth cannot purchase redemption, prolong life, or deliver anyone from the inescapable grasp of death, a truth powerfully conveyed in [Psalms 49:6-12](/psalms/49-6-12 "Psalms 49:6-12 - The Futility of Trusting in Wealth"). Verse 16 flows directly from this established theological premise, offering a practical, pastoral application: since material wealth is ultimately powerless against the finality of death and the grave, there is no logical or spiritual basis for the righteous to fear, envy, or be intimidated by those who possess it. The psalm then pivots to contrast the inevitable, ignominious fate of the wealthy fool with the confident hope of the righteous, who anticipate divine redemption from the power of Sheol, as promised in [Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God's Redemption of the Righteous").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, societal norms and religious beliefs often intertwined, leading to the widespread perception that significant wealth, a large and flourishing household, and numerous descendants were clear, tangible indicators of divine blessing and favor. Conversely, poverty, misfortune, or a lack of heirs could be interpreted as signs of divine displeasure or even punishment. This deeply ingrained cultural assumption made the visible prosperity of the unrighteous or wicked particularly perplexing and challenging for the faithful, as it seemed to contradict their understanding of God's justice and covenant faithfulness. Psalms 49 directly confronts and deconstructs this prevailing worldview, asserting a counter-cultural truth: outward prosperity is not the ultimate measure of a person's standing with God, nor does it determine their ultimate, eternal destiny. The term "house" (Hebrew: *bayit*) in the phrase "glory of his house" extends beyond merely a physical dwelling; it encompasses the entire household, including family, servants, accumulated possessions, social standing, and public reputation, representing the full scope of one's earthly legacy and visible success.
* **Key Themes:** This *Maskil* centrally addresses the **fleeting nature of earthly riches and human life**, starkly contrasting it with the **eternal security and enduring hope found exclusively in God**. It powerfully illuminates the **folly of trusting in wealth** as a source of ultimate security, redemption, or lasting significance, a message echoed throughout Scripture, notably in [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches Will Fail"). The psalm also courageously grapples with the profound problem of **theodicy**, seeking to reconcile the apparent prosperity of the unrighteous with the unwavering justice and righteousness of God. Ultimately, it serves as a compelling call for **unwavering trust in God's ultimate redemption** and a radical **reorientation of values** from the temporal and visible to the eternal and unseen. It urges believers to cultivate an eternal perspective that liberates them from the anxieties and pitfalls of worldly comparison, a theme beautifully articulated by Jesus in His teaching on treasures in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** This word (H3372) is a primitive root meaning "to fear," "to revere," or "to be in awe." In the context of Psalms 49:16, it carries the specific nuance of being intimidated, dreading, or being unsettled by the perceived advantage of another. It is not merely a physical fear but an internal disquiet, anxiety, or even envy that arises from comparing one's own situation with the outward display of prosperity. The psalmist's imperative "Be not thou afraid" is a command to resist allowing the visible success of others to shake one's confidence in God's ultimate justice or one's own secure standing with Him.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd_):** The term (H3519) is derived from a root meaning "weight" or "heaviness." Figuratively, in a good sense, it denotes "splendor," "copiousness," "honor," "reputation," or "dignity." Here, "glory" encapsulates the full spectrum of a person's accumulated prestige, visible status, and material possessions. When the "glory of his house is increased," it signifies a growing reputation, greater influence, and an expansion of material assets and social standing. The psalmist uses this term to highlight the very thing that often causes envy or intimidation, only to underscore its temporary and ultimately inconsequential nature in the face of eternity.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith_):** This word (H1004) refers to a "house" in its broadest sense, encompassing not only a physical dwelling but also the entire household, family, lineage, possessions, and even the reputation or legacy associated with a family. In the phrase "glory of his house," it signifies the entire sphere of one's worldly success, influence, and accumulated assets, representing the visible manifestation of a person's earthly power and prestige. The increase of this "house" implies a growing dynasty, a burgeoning estate, and an expanding sphere of influence, all of which are presented as transient.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not thou afraid":** This opening phrase is a direct, imperative command, serving as the central admonition of the verse. It addresses the internal emotional and spiritual state of the listener, warning against succumbing to the fear, anxiety, or envy that can arise from observing the material prosperity of others. It implies a call to maintain inner peace, spiritual composure, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, regardless of external circumstances or the apparent success of the unrighteous.
* **"when one is made rich":** This clause describes the specific trigger for the forbidden fear or disquiet. It refers to the accumulation of significant wealth by an individual, particularly in a way that might seem unmerited, unjust, or at odds with their moral character. The passive voice "is made rich" (from H6238, _ʻâshar_, to grow rich) suggests a process or a state of being, rather than necessarily implying a righteous or divinely sanctioned acquisition of wealth. It highlights the visible manifestation of worldly success.
* **"when the glory of his house is increased;":** This second clause functions in powerful **Synonymous Parallelism** to the first, elaborating on the nature of the prosperity that should not provoke fear. "The glory of his house" encompasses not just personal wealth but the expansion of one's entire household, reputation, influence, and social standing. The "increased" (from H7235, _râbâh_, to increase, multiply) signifies a visible and undeniable growth in their worldly success, which might otherwise provoke feelings of inadequacy, injustice, or envy in the observer.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 49:16 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Admonition**, presented as a direct, imperative command ("Be not thou afraid"), which immediately establishes the psalmist's didactic intent to guide the listener's emotional and spiritual response. This admonition is powerfully reinforced by **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("when the glory of his house is increased") reiterates and amplifies the idea presented in the first ("when one is made rich"). Both phrases describe the same phenomenon of burgeoning worldly prosperity, thereby emphasizing the context for the command. The psalm also utilizes vivid **Imagery** related to material wealth and the "house," which serves as a concrete and universally understood symbol for earthly security, status, and legacy. This imagery sets up a crucial contrast with the intangible, eternal realities that the psalmist champions throughout the broader psalm. The overall tone is one of profound **Didacticism**, as the psalm aims to instruct and impart divine wisdom regarding a complex and often perplexing theological issue: the transient nature of worldly success versus the enduring hope in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound wisdom embedded in Psalms 49:16 resonates deeply with broader biblical teachings concerning the ephemeral nature of material possessions and the enduring, eternal value of spiritual realities. It serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the human tendency to equate prosperity with divine favor or ultimate security, instead redirecting our trust from fleeting earthly treasures to the steadfast character and unwavering promises of God. This verse functions as a crucial antidote to the corrosive effects of envy and anxiety, fostering a spirit of contentment and cultivating a heavenly perspective that transcends the superficial allure of worldly comparisons. It underscores the foundational biblical truth that true worth, lasting peace, and ultimate security are not found in what one possesses or accumulates, but in one's intimate relationship with the Creator, who alone possesses the power to redeem from the grip of the grave and grant eternal life.

* [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4-5 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil for Riches")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of All Covetousness")
* [Psalm 73:1-3](/psalms/73-1-3 "Psalm 73:1-3 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world that relentlessly measures success by wealth, social status, and material accumulation, Psalms 49:16 offers a timeless, counter-cultural, and profoundly liberating perspective. It calls us to deeply examine the root of our anxieties, our desires, and our comparisons, challenging the insidious lie that greater possessions, a more impressive "house," or elevated social standing will bring ultimate security, happiness, or fulfillment. This verse encourages us to cultivate a profound and unwavering sense of contentment in God's faithful provision and His eternal promises, rather than allowing the apparent prosperity or increasing "glory" of others to stir envy, fear, or a restless, unceasing striving for more. It serves as a potent reminder that all earthly glory is inherently temporary and cannot accompany us beyond the grave. Our true security, our lasting peace, and our ultimate inheritance lie not in what we accumulate in this life, but in our eternal hope in God, who promises to redeem us from the power of death and to receive us to Himself. Living by this profound truth frees us from the tyranny of comparison, the burden of covetousness, and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits, empowering us instead to invest our lives in what truly lasts: spiritual riches, righteous living, and a deep, abiding, and unshakeable trust in the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific situations, social media comparisons, or observations in your life tend to stir feelings of fear, envy, or inadequacy related to others' prosperity or success?**
* **How does embracing an eternal perspective, as powerfully presented in this psalm, fundamentally change your view of worldly success and failure?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can you take this week to cultivate deeper contentment and unwavering trust in God, rather than being swayed by the "glory of his house" in the lives of others?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to place your ultimate security, identity, or worth in material possessions, career achievements, or social status, rather than in your relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all wealth is inherently bad or that rich people are necessarily evil?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn wealth itself, nor does it imply that all rich people are inherently evil. Rather, the core message of [Psalms 49:16](/psalms/49-16 "Psalms 49:16 - Be Not Afraid of the Rich") addresses the human tendency to be intimidated, envious, or disquieted by the visible prosperity of others, particularly when it appears to be disconnected from righteousness or justice. The psalm's overarching focus is on the *futility* of trusting in wealth for ultimate security, redemption, or lasting significance, and the *temporary* nature of all earthly glory. The problem is not wealth as an entity, but the *fear*, *envy*, or *misplaced trust* it can provoke in the human heart. The Bible consistently teaches that wealth can be used for good, for God's glory, and for the benefit of others, as seen in [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth"). However, it also issues stern and consistent warnings against the dangers of loving money, making it an idol, or placing one's ultimate hope in it, as powerfully articulated in [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money Is the Root of All Evil").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 49:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the wisdom it imparts and provided the definitive answer to the problem of fleeting earthly glory and the fear it can incite. While the psalmist points to God's ultimate redemption from the grave as the source of hope ([Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God's Redemption from the Grave")), Christ is the very embodiment and guarantor of that redemption. He consistently taught His disciples not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but to lay up imperishable treasures in heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")), directly addressing the folly of trusting in earthly "glory" and its transient nature. Jesus Himself, though infinitely "rich" in divine glory, "yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" in spiritual and eternal blessings ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). His kingdom is emphatically "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), and His true followers are those who seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that all necessary earthly provisions will be added to them ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). The fear, anxiety, and envy that Psalms 49:16 warns against are ultimately overcome by the profound peace, security, and eternal hope found exclusively in Christ, who has triumphed over death and the grave, offering an eternal inheritance that no earthly wealth can compare to, diminish, or take away ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). He is our true and lasting "glory," far surpassing any earthly house or fleeting prosperity.

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

Psalms 37:7

¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Revelation 21:26

And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

Psalms 37:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Revelation 21:24

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Genesis 31:1

¶ And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that [was] our father's; and of [that] which [was] our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

Esther 3:1

¶ After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that [were] with him.

Esther 3:6

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.