Psalms 49:20

The psalmist repeated his concluding statement in the previous section (Psalms 49:12), but here he changed it slightly. Here he stressed the wicked person’s lack of understanding. There he stressed his lack of endurance.

We who are believers should not envy the ungodly who prosper in this life. We should not feel inferior to them either. All that they are living for will perish with them. Those who fear God, however, can expect a glorious future with the Lord beyond the grave. [Note: See Daniel J. Estes, "Poetic Artistry in the Expression of Fear in Psalms 49," Bibliotheca Sacra 161:641 (January-March 2004):55-71, for an analysis of how the psalmist expressed and overcame his fear.]