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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 49:18 Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul--and men praise you when you prosper--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/49-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/19_Psa_049_018.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 49:18 - The Evanescence of Wealth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul--and men praise you when you prosper--" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/49-17.htm" title="Psalm 49:17">◄</a> Psalm 49:18 <a href="/psalms/49-19.htm" title="Psalm 49:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/49.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed—and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul—and men praise you when you prosper—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and <i>men</i> will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Though while he lives he blesses himself (For <i>men</i> will praise you when you do well for yourself),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though while he lives he congratulates himself— And though <i>people</i> praise you when you do well for yourself—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Though while he lives he congratulates himself— And though men praise you when you do well for yourself—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Though while he lives he congratulates himself— And though <i>men</i> praise you when you do well for yourself—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For while he lives he blesses his soul— And <i>men</i> will praise you when you do well for yourself—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Though while he lives he counts himself happy <i>and</i> prosperous— And though people praise you when you do well for yourself—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though he blesses himself during his lifetime — and you are acclaimed when you do well for yourself —<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though he praises himself during his lifetime— and people praise you when you do well for yourself— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Though while he lived he blessed his soul (And men praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We humans are praised when we do well, and all of us are glad to be alive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Though while he lived he blessed his soul, and men praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Even though he blesses himself while he is alive (and they praise you when you do well for yourself),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Even if someone is satisfied with this life and is praised because he is successful, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />although he considers himself blessed while he's alive. Though people praise you for doing well,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul?and men praise you when you prosper?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He pronounces this blessing on himself while he is alive: "May men praise you, for you have done well!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Though while he lived he blessed his soul--and men praise you when you do well for yourself--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Though while he lived he blessed his soul— and men praise you when you do well for yourself— <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For he blesses his soul in his life "" (And they praise you when you do well for yourself).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For his soul in his life he blesseth, (And they praise thee when thou dost well for thyself.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For in his living he will praise his soul, (and he will praise thee for thou wilt do good to thyself,)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For in his lifetime his soul will be blessed: and he will praise thee when thou shalt do well to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 48:19>For his soul will be blessed in his lifetime, and he will admit to you when you do good to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />During his life his soul uttered blessings; “They will praise you, for you do well for yourself.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy —for you are praised when you do well for yourself—<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For while he lived, he lived comfortably; he praised you when you favored him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because he blesses his soul in his life, he will acknowledge you when you bless him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Though while he lived he blessed his soul: 'Men will praise thee, when thou shalt do well to thyself';<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For his soul shall be blessed in his life: he shall give thanks to thee when thou dost well to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/49-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=5839" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">The Evanescence of Wealth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Though</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: bə·ḥay·yāw (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">in his lifetime</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: yə·ḇā·rêḵ (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">he blesses</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">his soul—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3034.htm" title="3034: wə·yō·w·ḏu·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-3mp:: 2ms) -- To throw, cast. ">and men praise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">you when</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: ṯê·ṭîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">you prosper</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">—</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of day.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19-20</a></span><br />Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10-11</a></span><br />But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24-26</a></span><br />Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God. / For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment? / To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18-20</a></span><br />Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot. / Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. / For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a></span><br />Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16-17</a></span><br />For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-31</a></span><br />Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a></span><br />What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15</a></span><br />So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-13.htm">Job 21:13-15</a></span><br />They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. / Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. / Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-13.htm">Isaiah 22:13</a></span><br />But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">1 Corinthians 15:32</a></span><br />If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Proverbs 11:4</a></span><br />Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise you, when you do well to yourself.</p><p class="hdg">while he lived [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/29-19.htm">Deuteronomy 29:19</a></b></br> And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/12-8.htm">Hosea 12:8</a></b></br> And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: <i>in</i> all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that <i>were</i> sin.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19</a></b></br> And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, <i>and</i> be merry.</p><p class="hdg">praise</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-6.htm">1 Samuel 25:6</a></b></br> And thus shall ye say to him that liveth <i>in prosperity</i>, Peace <i>be</i> both to thee, and peace <i>be</i> to thine house, and peace <i>be</i> unto all that thou hast.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Esther 3:2</a></b></br> And all the king's servants, that <i>were</i> in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did <i>him</i> reverence.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Acts 12:20-22</a></b></br> And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's <i>country</i>… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/45-2.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/psalms/29-11.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/psalms/44-22.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/job/41-27.htm">Counts</a> <a href="/job/41-25.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/psalms/41-2.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-20.htm">Life-Time</a> <a href="/psalms/48-10.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/47-4.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/psalms/45-4.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/psalms/49-15.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/45-11.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/65-4.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/psalms/107-38.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/psalms/56-8.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/psalms/147-4.htm">Counts</a> <a href="/psalms/129-7.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/psalms/65-4.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Life-Time</a> <a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/psalms/51-18.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 49</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">An earnest persuasion to build the faith of resurrection</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Worldly prosperity is not to be admired</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/49.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/49.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul</b><br>This phrase reflects the self-satisfaction and self-congratulation of a person who finds contentment in their own achievements and wealth. In biblical context, this can be seen as a warning against pride and self-reliance, which are often condemned in Scripture (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>). The idea of blessing one's own soul suggests a focus on temporal success rather than eternal values. This contrasts with the biblical teaching that true blessing comes from God (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</a>). The phrase also echoes the parable of the rich fool in <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>, where a man finds comfort in his wealth, only to face the reality of his mortality.<p><b>and men praise you when you prosper</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the societal tendency to admire and praise those who achieve material success. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor, leading to public admiration. However, the Bible frequently warns against equating prosperity with righteousness (<a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-15</a>). The praise of men is fleeting and contrasts with the eternal approval of God (<a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a>). This phrase also serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of human accolades, as seen in the life of Jesus, who was praised by the crowds but later crucified (<a href="/matthew/21-9.htm">Matthew 21:9, 27</a>:22-23).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">Psalm 49</a>, traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who provides wisdom on the futility of trusting in wealth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wealthy_man.htm">The Wealthy Man</a></b><br>Represents individuals who find security and identity in their material prosperity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a></b><br>The people who praise the wealthy man, reflecting societal values that equate success with material wealth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_self-sufficiency.htm">The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency</a></b><br>Wealth can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, leading individuals to bless themselves rather than seeking God's blessing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/societal_validation.htm">Societal Validation</a></b><br>Society often praises those who prosper materially, but this should not be confused with divine approval or eternal value.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/true_prosperity.htm">True Prosperity</a></b><br>True prosperity is found in a relationship with God and in storing up treasures in heaven, not in earthly wealth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Believers are called to maintain an eternal perspective, recognizing that material wealth is temporary and cannot secure eternal life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to use their resources for God's glory, practicing generosity and wise stewardship as a reflection of their trust in God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_49.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 49</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_clear_evidence_of_psalm_128's_blessings.htm">If Psalm 128's blessings were historically fulfilled for Israel's faithful, why isn't there clearer archaeological or historical evidence of such uniform prosperity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_49_align_with_deut._28.htm">How does Psalm 49’s warning against trusting in wealth reconcile with passages like Deuteronomy 28 that equate prosperity with divine blessing? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_we_reconcile_prosperity_paradox.htm">Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous--how do we reconcile this contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_poor_devout_reconcile_psalm_112_3.htm">Psalm 112:3 declares that the righteous will enjoy wealth and riches; how does this reconcile with devout individuals who remain poor and persecuted throughout history?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/49.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Though, while he lived. . .</span> .--This is abundantly illustrated by our Lord's parable of the rich fool (<a href="/luke/12-19.htm" title="And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.">Luke 12:19</a>; comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/29-19.htm" title="And it come to pass, when he hears the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of my heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:">Deuteronomy 29:19</a>).<p><span class= "bld">And men will.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">and though men praise thee, </span>&c. "Although prosperity produces self-gratulation, and procures the homage of the world as well, yet," &c<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/49.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Though while he lived he blessed his soul</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Psalm 10:3</a>; <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19</a>). He thought himself happy, and congratulated himself on his good fortune. <span class="cmt_word">And men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself</span>. A parenthetic remark. Not only do such men congratulate themselves, but the world's applause follows on them. So long as they are well-to-do, and keep themselves in the forefront of the battle of life, they will have "honour, reverence, and troops of friends," who will admire them and flatter them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/49-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Though</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his lifetime</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּחַיָּ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥay·yāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he blesses</span><br /><span class="heb">יְבָרֵ֑ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḇā·rêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his soul—</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֭פְשׁוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and men praise</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝יוֹדֻ֗ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yō·w·ḏu·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3034.htm">Strong's 3034: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you prosper—</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵיטִ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(ṯê·ṭîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/49-18.htm">Psalm 49:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/49-18.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/49-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 49:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/49-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 49:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>