In That Very Day His Thoughts Perish (Psalm 146:4)

2023-09-13

His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (Psalm 146:4)

Does this verse teach soul sleep, namely, that people do not go to heaven or hell when they die? Not if you read the whole context.

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever (Psalms 146:3-6)

This teaches that people should not hope in princes (e.g., politicians, like many do in our society) or in other human beings. They die and cannot help you anymore. God is eternal and omnipotent. He is the one in whom you need to trust; otherwise, you will be sorely disappointed. He created everything and has power over everything. Even the prince and the most powerful of human beings will fail you. A man cannot help you or think of you when he is dead, but God remains forever.