Psalms 49:18

18 Though while he lives he ¹congratulates himself - And though men praise you when you do well for yourself-

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 Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased;

17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; His glory will not descend after him.

18 Though while he lives he congratulates himself - And though men praise you when you do well for yourself-

19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They will never see the light.

20 Man in his pomp, yet without understanding, Is like the beasts that perish.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 29:19; Psalms 10:3, 6; Luke 12:19

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "his soul"