Psalms 49:16

Psalms 49:16

“Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased.” In this verse, the psalmist warns against fearing or envying the sudden prosperity of others. The language appeals to a common human temptation: wealth can provoke anxiety or pride. The verse invites readers to resist the impulse to base security on another person’s wealth or social ascent. The cultural backdrop includes a world where wealth and lineage confer fearsome influence. By exhorting faith, the psalmist redirects attention to God’s perspective, which transcends human incidents of gain or loss. The verse also reinforces the unity of the community: the flourishing of others should not cause the upright to stumble into misordered desires or moral compromise.

Theologically, the verse emphasizes dependence on God rather than on worldly accumulation. It points to the sovereignty of God who governs wealth and social honor. The call to not fear the prosperity of others aligns with the broader biblical theme that true security comes from relationship with God, not material signs. It also contextualizes the moral evaluation of prosperity, urging readers to consider how wealth is acquired and used, and to resist greed or miserliness that contradicts the divine character.

Today, wealth can be alluring—and frightening—when it arrives suddenly. Practical steps: practice gratitude, celebrate others’ success without envy, and focus on stewardship. If you are the recipient of wealth, resist boasting or isolating yourself from community; instead, use resources to bless others, fund ministries, or support the vulnerable. If you fear others’ wealth, reframe your security in God’s promises and invest in character and relationships rather than chasing status. The verse invites humility in the face of abundance and commendable restraint in the face of poverty.

Cross-References: Proverbs 23:4-5; Proverbs 27:24; Luke 12:15-21; 1 Timothy 6:17; James 1:9-11