Psalms 49:13

13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.[a]

Psalms 49:13 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise. Interlude
The Message Bible (MSG)
13 This is what happens to those who live for the moment, who only look out for themselves:
American Standard Version (ASV)
13 This their way is their folly: Yet after them men approve their sayings. [Selah
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
13 This is the final outcome for fools and their followers who are delighted by what they say: Selah
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
13 This is the way of those who are arrogant, and of their followers, who approve of their words. Selah
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
13 That's what happens to those who trust in themselves. It also happens to their followers, who agree with what they say. "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 tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.
12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.
15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.

Cross References 1

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. The Hebrew has "Selah" (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 15.
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