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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 49:4 I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/49-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/19_Psa_049_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 49:4 - The Evanescence of Wealth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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with the harp I will expound my riddle:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I listen carefully to many proverbs and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will disclose my dark saying on the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear <i>and</i> consent to a proverb; On the lyre I will unfold my riddle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I turn my ear to a proverb; I explain my riddle with a lyre.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I turn my ear to a proverb; I explain my riddle with a lyre. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have in mind a mystery that I will explain while playing my harp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I will turn my attention to a proverb. I will explain my riddle with the [music of] a lyre.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I will turn my attention to proverbs and explain their meaning as I play the harp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I will focus my attention on a proverb; I will use the harp to expound my riddle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I will learn a song that imparts wisdom; I will then sing my insightful song to the accompaniment of a harp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will open my riddle on the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will solve my riddle on the harp. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I incline my ear to an allegory, "" I open my riddle with a harp:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I incline to a simile mine ear, I open with a harp my riddle:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my enigma upon the harp.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a parable; I will open my proposition on the psaltery. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 48:5>I will incline my ear to a parable. I will open my case with the psaltery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I will turn my ear to a riddle, expound my question on a lyre. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I will incline my ear to parables; I will chant my proverbs upon the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I shall turn my ears to parables and I shall speak my riddles with the harp.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I will incline mine ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying upon the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my riddle on the harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/49-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=5738" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">The Evanescence of Wealth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: ’aṭ·ṭeh (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">I will incline</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·nî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">my ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: lə·mā·šāl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">to a proverb;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: ’ep̄·taḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">I will express</a> <a href="/hebrew/2420.htm" title="2420: ḥî·ḏā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. From chuwd; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim.">my riddle</a> <a href="/hebrew/3658.htm" title="3658: bə·ḵin·nō·wr (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- A lyre. From a unused root meaning to twang; a harp.">with the harp:</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Why should I fear in times of trouble, when wicked usurpers surround me?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a></span><br />by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34-35</a></span><br />Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. / So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a></span><br />For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Proverbs 8:1-4</a></span><br />Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:9</a></span><br />Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></span><br />And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I will incline my ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying on the harp.</p><p class="hdg">incline</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a></b></br> I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-35.htm">Matthew 13:35</a></b></br> That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.</p><p class="hdg">parable</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7</a></b></br> And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, <i>saying</i>, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Ezekiel 20:49</a></b></br> Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11-15</a></b></br> He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given… </p><p class="hdg">dark</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a></b></br> To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Daniel 8:23</a></b></br> And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-3.htm">Luke 12:3</a></b></br> Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/40-10.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/psalms/35-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/judges/14-14.htm">Expound</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-3.htm">Express</a> <a href="/psalms/43-4.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/psalms/45-10.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/psalms/43-4.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">Open</a> <a href="/job/29-1.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/job/17-6.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/judges/14-19.htm">Riddle</a> <a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/psalms/44-14.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Solve</a> <a href="/psalms/44-1.htm">Story</a> <a href="/psalms/45-4.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/psalms/46-5.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/psalms/74-20.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/50-7.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/matthew/13-36.htm">Expound</a> <a href="/psalms/106-2.htm">Express</a> <a href="/psalms/57-8.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/psalms/71-2.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/psalms/57-8.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/51-15.htm">Open</a> <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Riddle</a> <a href="/psalms/49-13.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Solve</a> <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Story</a> <a href="/psalms/50-17.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/psalms/51-13.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 49</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">An earnest persuasion to build the faith of resurrection</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Worldly prosperity is not to be admired</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/49.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/49.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I will incline my ear to a proverb;</b><br>This phrase suggests a posture of attentiveness and willingness to learn. In biblical times, proverbs were short, wise sayings that conveyed moral or practical truths. The act of inclining one's ear indicates a deliberate effort to understand and internalize wisdom. Proverbs are a significant part of Hebrew literature, with the Book of Proverbs being a prime example. This phrase may also imply a connection to the wisdom tradition in Israel, where listening and learning were highly valued. The use of "proverb" here can be seen as a call to seek deeper understanding, much like Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom and authored many proverbs.<p><b>I will express my riddle with the harp:</b><br>The use of "riddle" suggests a deeper, more enigmatic truth that requires contemplation and insight to unravel. In ancient cultures, riddles were often used to convey complex ideas in a memorable way. The harp, a stringed instrument commonly used in Israelite worship and royal courts, indicates that this expression is not just intellectual but also artistic and spiritual. The harp's inclusion suggests that the message is meant to be meditative and reflective, engaging both the mind and the heart. This phrase can be seen as a precursor to the parables of Jesus, who often used stories and riddles to convey spiritual truths. The combination of music and wisdom here underscores the holistic approach to understanding God's truths, engaging both the intellect and the emotions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_korah.htm">Sons of Korah</a></b><br>The authors of <a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">Psalm 49</a>, a group of Levitical singers and musicians in the temple, known for their wisdom and musical contributions to the Psalms.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The primary audience of the Psalms, representing God's chosen people who are called to live according to His wisdom and commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The individual voice within the Sons of Korah who is expressing wisdom through music and poetry.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_harp.htm">The Harp</a></b><br>A musical instrument used in ancient Israelite worship, symbolizing the blending of music and wisdom in the expression of divine truths.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/proverb_and_riddle.htm">Proverb and Riddle</a></b><br>Literary forms used in Hebrew wisdom literature to convey deeper spiritual truths and insights.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to actively seek and listen to wisdom, much like the Psalmist inclines his ear to a proverb.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_music_in_worship.htm">The Role of Music in Worship</a></b><br>Music is a powerful tool for expressing and understanding spiritual truths, as demonstrated by the Psalmist's use of the harp.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_through_riddles.htm">Understanding Through Riddles</a></b><br>Spiritual truths are often conveyed in ways that require deep reflection and discernment, encouraging us to seek God's wisdom in understanding them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_reflection.htm">The Importance of Reflection</a></b><br>Taking time to meditate on God's word and its deeper meanings is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_communal_experience.htm">Wisdom as a Communal Experience</a></b><br>The sharing of wisdom through proverbs and music highlights the communal aspect of learning and growing in faith together.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_49.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 49</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_a_worship_leader_do.htm">What does a worship leader do?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_29_15_support_corporal_punishment.htm">Proverbs 29:15 supports the 'rod and reproof'; does this promote corporal punishment and conflict with modern ethics or child-development studies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_worship_in_psalm_43_4.htm">What archaeological evidence, if any, supports the psalmist's depiction of worship in Psalm 43:4?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/which_instruments_are_in_the_old_testament.htm">What musical terms are mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/49.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">I will incline mine ear.</span>--The psalmist first <span class= "ital">listens, </span>that he may himself catch the inspiration which is to reach others through his song. It was an obvious metaphor in a nation to whom God's voice was audible, as it was to Wordsworth, for whom nature had an audible voice:<p>"The stars of midnight shall be dear<p>To her; and she shall <span class= "ital">lend her ear</span><p>In many a secret place,<p>Where rivulets dance their wayward round,<p>And beauty, born of murmuring sound,<p>Shall pass into her face."<p><span class= "bld">Parable.</span>--Heb. <span class= "ital">m?shal, </span>root idea, <span class= "ital">similitude. </span>It is the term used of Balaam's prophecies, and of the eloquent speeches of Job. Hence here <span class= "ital">proverb-song </span>(Ewald), since the psalmist intends his composition for musical accompaniment.<p><span class= "bld">Dark saying.</span>--Either from a root meaning to <span class= "ital">tie, </span>and so "a knotty point;" or to <span class= "ital">sharpen, </span>and so a <span class= "ital">sharp, incisive </span>saying. The LXX. and Vulgate have "problem," "proposition."<p>To open the riddle is not to <span class= "ital">solve </span>it, but to <span class= "ital">propound </span>it, as we say to "open a discourse." (Comp. St. Paul's phrase, "opening and alleging.") The full phrase is probably found in <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm" title="She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.">Proverbs 31:26</a>, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom.'" . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/49.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I will incline mine ear to a</span> <span class="cmt_word">parable.</span> The psalmist is "like a minstrel who has to play a piece of music put into his hands. The strain is none of his own devising; and as he proceeds, each note awakes in him a mysterious echo, which he would fain catch and retain in memory" (Kay). A "<span class="accented">parable"</span> in the Old Testament means any enigmatical or dark saying, into which much metaphor or imagery is introduced, so that it is only <span class="greek">φωνᾶν συνετοῖσι</span>. <span class="cmt_word">I will open my dark saying upon the harp;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> with a harp accompaniment. Music was a help to inspired persons in the delivery of messages which they were commissioned to deliver (see <a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm">1 Samuel 10:5</a>; <a href="/2_kings/3-15.htm">2 Kings 3:15</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/49-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I will incline</span><br /><span class="heb">אַטֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’aṭ·ṭeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my ear</span><br /><span class="heb">אָזְנִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·zə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to a proverb;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמָשָׁ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mā·šāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will express</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְתַּ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·taḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my riddle</span><br /><span class="heb">חִידָתִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥî·ḏā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2420.htm">Strong's 2420: </a> </span><span class="str2">A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with the harp:</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵin·nō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3658.htm">Strong's 3658: </a> </span><span class="str2">A harp</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 49:4 I will incline my ear to (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/49-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 49:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/49-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 49:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>