Psalms 49:16 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Don't be afraid when someone becomes wealthy, when their family's fame and honor grow greater;

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is telling us not to worry or be intimidated when others become rich and powerful around us.

📚 Historical Context

This psalm was written during a time when Israel experienced significant social inequality, with some families accumulating great wealth while others struggled. The psalmist addresses the common human tendency to feel anxious or envious when witnessing others' material success and rising social status.

Explore Similar Verses

Proverbs 10:4

A person who works carelessly or lazily becomes poor, but someone who works hard and diligently becomes wealthy.

Leviticus 25:47

If a foreigner or visitor living among you becomes wealthy, and your fellow Israelite who lives nearby becomes poor and has to sell himself as a servant to that foreigner or to someone from the foreigner's family:

Job 15:27

Because he has covered his face with fat, and built up layers of fat on his sides.

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