What does Psalm 49:10 mean?

Physical death is inevitable. The obituary columns lists the deaths of the rich, poor, well-educated, ignorant, famous, and obscure. Genesis chapter 5 lists the amazingly long lifespans of those who lived before the flood—but even they died, eventually. When death comes, any wealth a person has earned is passed to someone else. They take nothing physical with them, and they cannot hope to bribe God to forgive their sins (Proverbs 11:4). It may be discouraging to see evil people becoming rich and successful (Psalm 49:1–6). Yet their success is temporary; sooner or later, they will face their Creator and be held accountable (Psalm 49:7–9).

Those who place their faith in Christ also leave all earthly possessions behind when they die, but they receive an abundant inheritance in heaven (John 3:16–17). The apostle Peter describes Christians' inheritance as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4).