A hard final conclusion is that a person with wealth, but without insight, is like a beast that perishes. This verse is similar to Psalm 49:12, the only difference being that without understanding
has been added here. The Word of God teaches us that the beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, trust him, and serve him. When that is missing, then, in death, you come very close to the animals, on the road to destruction. Psalm 94:8 connects with this when we read, Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise?
Psalm 49:5 receives a clear answer here: to be afraid of the wealthy—those who trust in their wealth—is not needed. God, who rules over life and death, will keep his eye on you, also when you are poor. Fear the Lord, and in that you are rich. Mighty rich men will prove to be powerless in the face of the Lord God. They will not get you down either.
The Bible shows in many places the danger of riches (having Mammon as idol). The eighth commandment is very important, also in our society today. The warning, or rather the encouragement which is found in this Scripture portion is: do not be afraid for those in power; even though there is often a connection between money and power, for example, money makes mighty; or those in power have money. Entrust yourself to the Lord God; his truth and wisdom make you eternally happy.
20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.