Everyone In The World, Pay Attention
Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! Psalm 49:1
Have you ever had something so important to say that you wanted the whole world to hear it? The writers of Psalm 49 thought the world and everyone in it ought to hear this Psalm.
The title credits its authorship to the descendants of Korah. During their lives of service to their leaders, they wrote several Psalms that magnified the Lord.
They intended this message to be heard around the world by everyone. They aimed it at all people. It didn’t matter where they stood socially or the size of their bank account.
High and low, rich and poor—listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight. Psalm 49:2-3
What in the world could hold so much importance that everyone should hear? Maybe you’ve had moments like that when a light bulb lit up in your mind. The Psalmist asked;
Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? Psalm 49:5
It dawned on him that someone’s wealth and riches couldn’t help them after they die. No matter how much money a person has, none of it will redeem them from death.
They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Psalm 49:6-7
Everyone in the world will die, the wise, the foolish, and the senseless. At the writing of this Psalm, Christ had not yet come to defeat death; therefore, the grave meant finality.

Why Redemption Doesn’t Come Easy
I have met people who, in their opinion, claimed they would live forever. Some of them found out for themselves, through experience, that nothing could stop them from entering eternity.
Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. Psalm 49:8-9
Think about that statement the Psalmist made that redemption doesn’t come easy. That serves as an understatement, especially when people try to redeem themselves. We can’t redeem ourselves.
However, we have the promise of redemption, but it only comes through our Savior Jesus Christ. Even at that, until the Lord comes back, everyone in the world will experience the grave.
Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. Psalm 49:10-11
The house of the family, which bears the name of the town where I live, still stands today. But everyone who lived there has long passed from this world.
The house serves as a museum of the heritage of how our community began. That’s precisely what the Psalmist declared: we’ll remember their names while they are in their graves.
They may name their estates after themselves, but their fame will not last. They will die, just like animals. This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise. Psalm 49:12-13
Not everyone excels financially in our world, but the number of them seems to grow. Does that number include you? If not, then guard yourself from envious thoughts towards them.

Be Careful of the World of Jealousy
Many people want a life of luxury but can’t afford it. However, becoming jealous of what others have will only hurt you in the long run. God does not like a heart filled with jealousy.
When you stop to think about it, possessions won’t follow anyone to the grave. Everyone will exit this world the same way they entered it, with nothing in their hands. The Psalmist said,
So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. Psalm 49:16-17
Let’s look again at what the writer said in the first verse. “Pay attention, everyone in the world!” The seven billion people alive today need to understand the shortness of life on earth.
And when we leave this life and enter into eternity, we can’t turn back. So, we each determine while we live and breathe which direction we will go, heaven or hell.
Some feel they can make their choice by buying their way in. They do it by giving money to the church or to the poor and needy. They think they will receive credit to get into heaven.
Or they work at doing good deeds by volunteering in various ways. They find ways to serve others, thinking it will secure their entrance through the pearly gates.
As much good as all their efforts produce, it will not buy anybody’s redemption. The Psalmist made it quite plain when he said, “No one can ever pay enough to live forever.”

Jesus Paid the Price for Everyone in the World
Jesus paid the price for our salvation when he came to earth as a human. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the grave. God offers us the gift of salvation through His Son.
In other words, keep doing good deeds for others because it’s the right thing to do. But, if your motive for doing them is to get into heaven, you are wasting your time.
When the Psalmist said, “Redemption does not come so easily.” He couldn’t have spoken truer words for everyone in the world trying to get it on their own. Instead, they will suffer for eternity.
Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14-15
The Psalmist clarified that it doesn’t matter who a person is or what they have. If they die without Jesus, they never will see the light of day again.
In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. Psalm 49:18-19
Jesus said those who reject him will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Declare Your Redemption
It’s time to paint an uplifting and encouraging picture. The Psalmist confidently declared his redemption. Through Jesus, you can declare yours as well.
But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Psalm 49:15
Lord, help us never rely on our works or wealth to get into heaven. Thank you for Jesus, who offered redemption to everyone in the world so they can spend eternity with Him.
Check out these related posts from select Psalms
- His Faithful Love Endures Forever
- Enjoying The Benefits Of Living A Godly Life
- Victory Comes From The Lord

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