Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul—and men praise you when you prosper—
The wicked enjoy prosperity while God's people suffer affliction, which tempts the faithful to despair. But the Psalmist means to check their envy and moderate the pride of the ungodly by showing that worldly happiness, however grand it appears, is vain and evanescent, whereas the godly, tried though they be, remain the objects of divine regard and shall be delivered from their enemies.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 49:1-20
Though while he lived he blessed his soul. He pronounced himself happy. He had his good things in this life. His chief end and aim were to bless himself. He was charmed with the adulation of flatterers. Men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. The generality of men worship success, however it may be gained.
The believer's great comfort in death is this: God will redeem the soul from the grave's power and receive it into glory. Rich and poor meet in the grave alike, yet their spiritual states divide them forever at death. When death breaks the lantern, the candle inside does not go out; the soul lives on, freed from its prison, conversing more freely than ever, until body and soul reunite in resurrection.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 49:15-20