1. No man can redeem the life of another (1-11)

Those who trust in wealth are foolish, for no payment can ransom a man's life from the grave. Even though one lives in a fine house and has highways and streets named for him, still a tomb will be his house forever. The man who trusts in himself and in his wealth will die, leaving his wealth to others. He can take nothing with him.

2. God will redeem my life (12-20)

Indeed, 'the ransom for a life is costly, and no payment is ever enough--that he should live on forever and not see decay' (8-9). But the Psalmist looks forward to Jesus. Verse 15 says, 'God will redeem my life...he will surely take me to himself.' The eternal God, the Creator of life, paid the ransom with the blood of his Son. When we put our trust in him, he redeems us from the grave and from hell, and takes us to himself. It is foolish to envy the proud, wealthy men who trust themselves and their riches.

Application: Lord, I put my trust in you, not in wealth or fame or human success.
One Word: God will redeem my life