Psalms 49:18

18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper—

Psalms 49:18 in Other Translations

18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed --and though you get praise when you do well for yourself--

18 In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success.

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

18 Though he praises himself during his lifetime- and people 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 overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;

17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.

18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper—

19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life.

20 People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.

Cross References

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