Psalms 49:13

13 This is the way of the foolish; their silver is for those who come after them, and their children get the pleasure of their gold. (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).

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Psalms 49:13 In-Context

11 The place of the dead is their house for ever, and their resting-place through all generations; those who come after them give their names to their lands.

12 But man, like the animals, does not go on for ever; he comes to an end like the beasts.

13 This is the way of the foolish; their silver is for those who come after them, and their children get the pleasure of their gold. (Selah.)

14 Death will give them their food like sheep; the underworld is their fate and they will go down into it; their flesh is food for worms; their form is wasted away; the underworld is their resting-place for ever.

15 But God will get back my soul; for he will take me from the power of death. (Selah.)