Day 9 Month 7

Psalms for Day 9
Chapter 49
This
psalm is a strong message and inspiration for all, rich and poor alike, rebuking
man for transgressions which, owing to habit, he no longer considers sinful;
yet, these sins incriminate man on the Day of Judgement. The psalm speaks
specifically to the wealthy, who rely not on God but on their wealth.
1. For
the Conductor, by the sons of Korach, a psalm. 2. Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all you inhabitants of the world; 3. sons of common folk and sons of
nobility, rich and poor alike. 4. My mouth speaks wisdom, and the thoughts of my
heart are understanding. 5. I incline my ear to the parable; I will unravel my
riddle upon the harp. 6. Why am I afraid in times of trouble? [Because] the sins
I trod upon surround me. 7. There are those who rely on their wealth, who boast
of their great riches. 8. Yet a man cannot redeem his brother, nor pay his
ransom to God. 9. The redemption of their soul is too costly, and forever
unattainable. 10. Can one live forever, never to see the grave? 11. Though he
sees that wise men die, that the fool and the senseless both perish, leaving
their wealth to others- 12. [nevertheless,] in their inner thoughts their houses
will last forever, their dwellings for generation after generation; they have
proclaimed their names throughout the lands. 13. But man will not repose in
glory; he is likened to the silenced animals. 14. This is their way-their folly
remains with them, and their descendants approve of their talk, Selah. 15. Like
sheep, they are destined for the grave; death shall be their shepherd, and the
upright will dominate them at morning; their form will rot in the grave, away
from its abode. 16. But God will redeem my soul from the hands of the grave, for
He will take me, Selah. 17. Do not fear when a man grows rich, when the glory of
his house is increased; 18. for when he dies he will take nothing, his glory
will not descend after him. 19. For he [alone] praises himself in his lifetime;
but [all] will praise you if you better yourself. 20. He will come to the
generation of his forefathers; they shall not see light for all eternity. 21.
Man [can live] in glory but does not understand; he is likened to the silenced
animals.