This is a wisdom Psalm which speaks of how a poor man is oppressed by the rich but that he should not fear the rich (v5). The riches of a wealthy man will not ransom his life to prevent him from going down into the pit of death (v6-9). All people will one day die and leave their wealth to another (v10-12). We are being warned against foolish confidence in wealth (v13-14) because all people one day will be like sheep heading to Sheol (the place of the dead). Even those who boasted of their confidence in their secure position and were praised for this by others will still die. The hope in death is to have a soul ransomed not by God (v15). Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many, in him alone we must trust.

Death comes to the rich and their possessions then go to another (v1620). There is a real challenge about what we spend our time and effort on, which will ultimately pass away. Only that which is done for Christ will last.

Jim Elliot who was a missionary killed for his faith said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” We must hold tightly to Jesus and not to this world and its riches.