Psalms 49:13

13 This their way [is] folly for them, And their posterity with their sayings are pleased. Selah.

Psalms 49:13 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 49:13

This their way [is] their folly
This their last end becoming like the beasts that perish, which is the issue and event of all their confidence, ambition, and honour, shows the folly of their lives and conduct: or this their course of life, in trusting to their riches; boasting of their wealth; pleasing themselves with the thoughts of the continuance of their houses and dwelling places to all generations; and calling their lands after their own names; all proclaim their folly. Or, as some render the words, "this their way [is] their hope" or "confidence" F2; they place all their hope and confidence in their riches and honour, which is but a vain hope and a foolish confidence;

yet their posterity approve their sayings;
they are of the same sentiments with their fathers; they say the same things, and do the same actions; tread in their steps, and follow the same track; though there have been such innumerable instances of the vanity and inconstancy of all worldly riches and grandeur.

Selah; on this word, (See Gill on Psalms 3:2).


FOOTNOTES:

F2 (wml lok) "est fiducia ipsorum", Cocceius, Gejerus; "stolida fiducia vel spes", Michaelis.

Psalms 49:13 In-Context

11 Their heart [is]: Their houses [are] to the age, Their tabernacles to all generations. They proclaimed their names over the lands.
12 And man in honour doth not remain, He hath been like the beasts, they have been cut off.
13 This their way [is] folly for them, And their posterity with their sayings are pleased. Selah.
14 As sheep for Sheol they have set themselves, Death doth afflict them, And the upright rule over them in the morning, And their form [is] for consumption. Sheol [is] a dwelling for him.
15 Only, God doth ransom my soul from the hand of Sheol, For He doth receive me. Selah.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.