This psalm is a call to all the inhabitants of the world, in view of the subject matter of the preceding psalms.
In verse 5 "adversity" should be read instead of "evil," and "supplanters" (or "them who would trip me up") instead of "my heels." It is these adversaries that are meant in verse 6.
"They depend upon their wealth, and boast themselves in the abundance of their riches."
"Why should I fear in the days of adversity?" is a challenge which has a New Testament counterpart in the magnificent language of Romans 8:31-39; there the Christian is assured that God is for him, and that nothing can separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Of what value is wealth in the redemption of the soul?
Verse 7 answers: "None can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him, for (verse 8) the redemption of their soul is costly, and must be given up forever" (New Translation). Yet though so costly, salvation is free (Revelation 22:17; Romans 5:17 and 6:23; John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
We shall not find the gospel of the grace of God set out plainly in the Old Testament, for its proclamation had to wait until Christ died for the ungodly, but from the beginning, faith laid hold upon the promise of a Deliverer, and knew that "without shedding of blood is no remission" of sin. (See verse 15 of our psalm).
A true picture of the natural man's thoughts is given in verses 11, 13, 18. Not all the centuries of time that have passed since these words were written, have altered man,—nor can, but a new birth (John 3) is needed; "Ye must be born again." Earthly, worldly hopes do not last; sorrow and death are never far away, and when the careless and godless are gone into judgment, those whose trust is in the living God shall have dominion (verse 14).
Verse17, in regard to the rich carrying none of their gains away with them when they die, suggests a reference to 1 Timothy 6:7,
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
Having Christ is possessing true riches, and He can never be taken from us. These are heavenly and not earthly riches.
Whatever we do that is pleasing to the Lord, is laying up treasure in heaven, to be given to us when we are with Him, and we shall have them throughout eternity.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt. 6:19-21.
Verse 20 is a scathing reflection on man with all his gains, who does not know God; he is like the beasts that perish. No wonder many of the world's great men scorn the Bible, — its truth hurts. They are not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).