Psalms 49:20
Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
Psalms 49:20
“Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” This closing verse of Psalm 49 reiterates the central thesis: honor without wisdom is futile. Even those who are esteemed in human eyes can be devoid of true understanding of life’s deepest questions. The comparison to beasts emphasizes the danger of living as if wealth, status, or cleverness defined existence, while ignoring God’s justice and reality beyond the grave.
Theologically, the verse cautions against a hollow wisdom—the kind that refuses divine truth and reduces life to surface-level metrics. It calls for a wisdom that fears God, knows mortality, and seeks eternal values. It aligns with Proverbs’ emphasis on wisdom’s practical outcomes: right living, justice, and humility before God.
Practically, assess what you call “honour” and whether it correlates with true understanding. Are you chasing appearances, or are you seeking a wisdom that leads to compassionate, ethical living? This verse invites humility: acknowledge what you don’t know, seek God’s insight, and align your life with enduring truths rather than cultural prestige. In your workplace, family, or community, let wisdom guide decisions, not merely outward success. Use honour to serve others, not to dominate or isolate.
Cross-References: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 3:5-7; James 3:13-17; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Psalm 14:1