Psalms 49:18

18 Just when they think they've arrived and folks praise them because they've made good,

Psalms 49:18 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 49:18

Though while he lived he blessed his soul
Praised and extolled himself on account of his acquisitions and merit; or proclaimed himself a happy man, because of his wealth and riches; or foolishly flattered himself with peace, prosperity, and length of days, and even with honour and glory after death;

and [men] will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself;
or "but

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 men will praise thee" both rich and poor, all wise men; when, as the Jewish interpreters ^F12 generally explain the word, a man regards true wisdom and religion, and is concerned for the welfare of his soul more than that of his body; or "when thou thyself doest well": that is, to others, doing acts of beneficence, communicating to the necessities of the poor; or rather, "when thou doest well to thyself", by enjoying the good things of life, taking his portion, eating the fruit of his labour, which is good and comely; see ( Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 ) ( Ecclesiastes 6:1 Ecclesiastes 6:2 ) ( 11:9 ) .

F11 (Kdwyw) "atque celebraverint te", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
F12 Jarchi, Aben Ezra, Kimchi & Ben Melech in loc.

Psalms 49:18 In-Context

16 So don't be impressed with those who get rich and pile up fame and fortune.

17 They can't take it with them; fame and fortune all get left behind.

18 Just when they think they've arrived and folks praise them because they've made good,

19 They enter the family burial plot where they'll never see sunshine again.

20 We aren't immortal. We don't last long. Like our dogs, we age and weaken. And die.