Wisdom PsalmsSample

Psalm 49 begins with a call to all people, indicating it was originally a psalm for all to hear, regardless of their social class or demographic. The psalmist claims he has spoken wisdom and turned his heart to understanding. This same idea is shown in Proverbs 2:2, where Solomon instructs his son by “making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understand,” which is a principle all Christ-followers should live by. We should want to listen to Godly wisdom and turn our hearts to understand the things of God.

The psalmist then continues to say that he should not fear in times of trouble because he knows that the things of this world are fleeting; his hope is in God. Verse 5 is cross-referenced with Psalm 94:13, which says that God gives him “rest from days of trouble”. Translation: There is no need to fear! God gives His people rest in times of trouble. Let us run to God when fear or trouble comes.

Beyond rest, verse 15 affirms, “God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.” The Sons of Korah, identified as the authors, declared what God promised in Hosea 13:14, when He said He would ransom His people from Sheol and death. God is a promise-keeper, and even the Psalms declare Him as Savior, pointing to the salvation we now experience through the blood of Christ. This world will perish, but God receives us, saves us, and we can enjoy Him forever!

May we cling to God, who will be with us forever. May we abandon the things of this world and run toward God.

1. What are things that cause fear in your life? How can you surrender these fears to God?
2. How can you limit the desire for worldly treasures and choose to pursue things that please God?

Prayer: God, help me seek you more than I seek the things of this world.