What does Psalm 49:4 mean?

When this psalm opened, the writer called on all people to hear his valuable words (Psalm 49:1–3). The psalmist now explains that he will pay close attention to what he shares. His message would inspire him before it would inspire others. The method of explaining this wisdom would be in song: to set his teaching to the music of an instrument.

This message is referred to as a "riddle." In Hebrew, the term is hidāt, from a root word implying something obscure or hard to understand. This is the same word used in Proverbs 1:6 when speaking of ideas requiring godly wisdom to grasp. In this case, the issue is the apparent success which some evil people have in the world (Psalm 73:2–3). Believers in almost every generation have wrestled with this frustrating experience. Though we know God's grace is enough for any situation (2 Corinthians 12:9), it is especially hard to see ungodly people "succeed" in the world while righteous people suffer.

Over the rest of this psalm, the riddle is given an answer: this life is not all there is. Those who reject God in this life may find some success for now. But before long, they will be judged by God in eternity. When that happens, earthly success will disappear and all that will matter is one's standing with the Lord (Psalm 49:16–20; Proverbs 11:4).