Psalms 49:16

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

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)};

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 49:16 offers profound wisdom, advising against succumbing to fear or envy when observing the material prosperity of others. This verse is part of a Maskil, an instructional psalm, which delves into the perplexing issue of why the wicked often prosper while the righteous may suffer, a common theme in Biblical wisdom literature like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

Context

Psalm 49 addresses a universal human struggle: the temptation to be intimidated or envious of the wealthy and powerful, especially when their affluence seems to overshadow their lack of moral integrity. The psalmist calls all people to listen, from high to low, to understand a deeper truth about life, death, and true security. The preceding verses establish that wealth cannot buy redemption or prolong life, setting the stage for the admonition in verse 16. It serves as a comfort to those who might feel disheartened by the apparent success of the unrighteous, reminding them that such glory is fleeting.

Key Themes

  • Fleeting Nature of Earthly Riches: The verse directly challenges the notion that wealth or "glory of his house" provides lasting security or happiness. It highlights the temporary nature of all material possessions and worldly success, a theme echoed in Proverbs 23:5 which states riches "certainly make themselves wings."
  • Trust in God, Not in Wealth: The core message is a call to place one's trust and hope in God rather than being swayed by the external circumstances of others. True peace and security come from an eternal perspective, not from comparing one's standing with the temporary success of the rich.
  • Warning Against Envy and Fear: The command "Be not thou afraid" extends beyond mere fear to encompass envy, anxiety, or intimidation. It's an encouragement not to be unsettled by the apparent advantage of the affluent, recognizing that their ultimate end is no different from anyone else's, and their wealth cannot accompany them beyond death.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Be not thou afraid" comes from the Hebrew word tira (תִּירָא), which means not just to fear, but also to be intimidated, dread, or be awestruck in a negative sense. It implies not allowing the outward display of wealth and power to cause inner turmoil or to shake one's confidence in God's justice.

"The glory of his house" uses the Hebrew word kavod (כָּבוֹד), which can mean weight, honor, splendor, reputation, or wealth. Here, it signifies the full extent of one's accumulated prestige, possessions, and visible status. The psalmist reminds us that this impressive display, however grand, is ultimately ephemeral.

Practical Application

In a world often defined by material success and social status, Psalms 49:16 serves as a vital reminder to maintain an eternal perspective. It challenges us to:

  • Resist Envy and Materialism: Do not allow the prosperity of others to stir feelings of envy or discontent. Our worth and security are not tied to our possessions or social standing.
  • Cultivate Contentment: Find peace and satisfaction in God's provision and promises, rather than constantly striving for more or comparing ourselves to those who have accumulated great wealth.
  • Focus on Eternal Values: Shift our focus from temporary earthly gains to spiritual riches and laying up treasures in heaven, which cannot be lost or destroyed. The psalmist’s ultimate hope, which is to be delivered from the power of the grave by God, as seen in the preceding verse (Psalms 49:15), reinforces this eternal perspective.

This verse encourages believers to live free from the anxiety and pressure of worldly success, trusting in God's ultimate justice and redemption.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:7 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 37:1 (3 votes)

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

  • Revelation 21:24 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.