Psalm 49:20
“Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. ”
KJV
Read in Psalm 49Meaning
The closing comparison says that a person with honor but without understanding perishes like the beasts; its target is unreflective confidence, not human dignity, which must never be denied to the rich, poor, living, or dying.
Do not fear wealth that cannot survive death
Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm for all peoples. It exposes the limits of wealth before death, rejects confidence in status or self-ransom, and contrasts human mortality with confidence that God can redeem and guide beyond the power of the grave.
Read carefully
The closing comparison says that a person with honor but without understanding perishes like the beasts; its target is unreflective confidence, not human dignity, which must never be denied to the rich, poor, living, or dying.
Reflection
The closing comparison says that a person with honor but without understanding perishes like the beasts; its target is unreflective confidence, not human dignity, which must never be denied to the rich, poor, living, or dying.