A wisdom psalm for instruction. Riches won’t get you to heaven (the futility of wealth).
v.1-4 Call for all peoples (rich and poor) to listen (those who live in this world that is passing away).
v.5-9 Why should I fear the wicked all around. Their riches can’t buy forgiveness for sin. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).
v.10-12 Both the wise and the wicked die.
12 Man in his pomp will not remain;
he is like the beasts that perish.
See also Luke 16:19-31
v.13-15 The wicked will go to Sheol but the power of God will ransom the righteous.
v.16-20 The rich will take nothing with them when they die (see also Luke 12:16-21).
20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.