This is a wisdom psalm. It focuses on teaching men more than it does on praising God. It uses the word "proverb" in vs. 4 that is found in the book of Proverbs. It has similarities to the book of Ecclesiastes. Compare Psalm 49:10 to Ecclesiastes 2:12-23 and Psalm 49:12 perishing like the beasts to Ecclesiastes 3:18-21.
49:1-4 A message for all to hear
49:1 This is directed to all and not exclusively to Israel.
49:5-12 All will die and no man will redeem his own life
49:6 Some boasted and trusted in their riches. The proper object of our hope and trust is God but many put their trust in the wrong place.
49:5, 16 Apparently the rich and their prosperity was a threat to those who read this psalm.
49:7, 7, 8, 15 The word redeem or redemption plays a key role in the psalm. There is not enough money to redeem out life from the grave.
49:9 Notice the contrast between living eternally and not undergoing decay.
49:10 All will die, wise and foolish alike.
49:12, 20 form a refrain
49:13-15 The contrast between the righteous and the wicked.
The wicked have death as their shepherd but the righteous will be redeemed by God from the power of Sheol.
49:16-20 The wicked die and carry nothing
Jesus and Psalm 49
1. Jesus is a profound wisdom teacher who speaks truth- Psalm 49:4
2. "But God" - Psalms 49:15; Ephesians 2:4
3. Jesus did not undergo decay- Psalm 49:9; 16:10- Acts 2:27-31; 13:33-37.
4. Jesus can redeem our souls- Psalm 48:7-8, 15