Psalm 49 (48):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The splendor of humanity represents a quality that departs with its possessor. This splendor belongs to the household itself; or more accurately, it does not endure but is instead lost alongside the house, offering no benefit to the individual who inhabited it, as it was never truly theirs. “Though his soul in his lifetime be glorified.” After addressing wealth and prestige, the prophet shifts to the concept of honor. Wealthy individuals often place great value on external admiration, on receiving compliments in public, on winning society’s favor, and on the accolades bestowed during events, festivities, and legal proceedings. They view public applause and accolades as something of significant worth.

Let your love take note: For his soul shall indeed be blessed in his life (Psalm 48:19). While he was living, all seemed well. This is a common saying among people, though it is far from the truth. The blessing originates from the perspective of the one who bestows it, rather than from reality itself. Why do I assert this? Because he indulged in food and drink, because he pursued his desires, because he feasted lavishly, he presumed that he was doing well for himself. I declare that he harmed himself. This is not merely my claim, but that of Christ Himself. He acted against his own good. The wealthy man, who dined regally every day, should have behaved righteously; however, when he began to suffer in hell, the perceived good became a devastating reality.

"I will give thanks to You when You have granted him favor." The Prophet reflects on an individual who values only worldly advantages—wealth, health, and authority—as true blessings. He contends that such a person will express gratitude to God when he experiences prosperity, yet in times of hardship, he is quick to utter blasphemies. The Prophet, having abandoned the impoverished, directs his words toward God, highlighting that the affluent man only offers thanks in joyful times, neglecting gratitude in moments of sorrow. Likewise, the adversary challenges Job, asserting that Job does not "honor the Lord in this manner" (cf. Job 1:9), but rather that his piety is rewarded with material possessions and other benefits. To demonstrate Job's virtue, God took away all that he possessed, allowing Job's gratitude toward God to shine through in every circumstance.

Following are the poignant words: "For his soul shall be blessed in his lifetime; it shall praise thee when thou art good unto him" (Ps. 48:19). This indicates that the foolish will bestow upon him earthly riches, focusing solely on the present moment rather than on what lies ahead. Those in lowly positions will extol him, and he may think himself fortunate if he claims any ground he desires. He glorifies the Lord when advantageous events occur in this life. However, when trials arise, he may curse with irreverent speech. The Psalmist expresses this because the worldly person shows no gratitude in times of need and hardship; yet, the righteous, even amid difficulties, praises God with profound gratitude and love.

For his spirit shall find favor in his heart. The Prophet states that while the affluent individual is alive, others hold him in esteem, but once he passes away, they refer to him as most unfortunate. I will acknowledge You when You have shown kindness to him. Symmachus articulates this even more clearly: he will extol You if You bless him. This constitutes genuine praise—not only while living but also in the afterlife, where one is honored and renowned. Such commendation is rightfully earned by the one who has wisely shared his riches, as the giver reaps the reward of doing good for others.

For his spirit will be uplifted within him. As long as the wicked man lives, he perceives himself as prosperous, and others proclaim his greatness, unaware of the true meaning of happiness in the present life; however, upon his death, he will encounter a stark reversal of all this. I will give You praise when You bestow goodness upon him. These words pertain to a man of sinful affluence, who believes he will only thank You when You grant him what he desires; at all other times, he will regard You with scorn, despite Your embodiment of all virtues. Alternatively, it could be understood that these words indicate the attitude of the ungodly towards God.

The phrase “his soul shall be glorified in his belly” refers to the most wicked individual and suggests that he will receive praise and honor, as the concept of “blessing” stems from the act of speaking well. This notion conveys a message of good fortune. Many people, swayed by changing attitudes towards the actions of others, fail to empathize and instead laud those who are wealthy and indulge in luxurious living, regardless of their numerous sinful acts. They do not anticipate the repercussions of their deeds, believing only in immediate gratification. The Psalmist, in a critique of such misguided judgments, admonishes those who not only fail to rebuke sinners but also flatter them, even to the detriment of righteousness. He declares, “His soul shall be blessed in his life,” highlighting the absurdity of their values. See v. 20.

The prophet explains why the declarations of the wicked will not accompany them into eternal damnation. Just as they expressed gratitude and reverence toward God during times of earthly prosperity, so too did God bestow blessings upon them in their mortal existence. I will acknowledge You, when You have shown favor to him. This expression aligns with the nuances of the Hebrew tongue, and in our language signifies: he praised Him then (if only he could and would offer praise), when he experienced divine favor; conversely, in moments of hardship or when overwhelmed by poverty, or when his desires were unmet, he reviled Him. He is not among those who declare, I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be on my lips (Psalm 33:1).

Due to the abundance he experienced in this earthly existence, he considered himself a loyal companion solely to those who indulged him in his bodily desires.

Although he gratified himself in this life and received praise from others for his contentment, he ultimately shall join the lineage of his ancestors. His soul may find favor during his earthly days: he receives accolades for his joy and perceives himself as fortunate, akin to the wealthy man described in the Scriptures. The acknowledgment of You is less fitting for God and is more appropriately directed toward fellow humans; thus, the affluent individual only offered commendation when it suited his pleasures, indicating that the pursuit of enjoyment was of utmost importance to him.

Do not be intimidated by the wealthy individual; his glory is temporary. While the rich man is alive, he is courted, and it is only during this time that he expresses gratitude and admiration towards You, O Lord, when You bestow blessings upon him. As Chrysostom observes, when one seeks to please the rich through acts of kindness, only then does he acknowledge You, or, in other words, he will express his appreciation for Your goodness. Simmachus translates this sentiment as: "He will commend you if you bestow favors upon him." In Blessed Theodoret's writings, this idea is further elaborated.

In this psalm, the prophet announces God’s blessings to everyone, particularly to His faithful followers who endure hardships for His sake. He encourages them to focus on the ultimate goal—Christ, the Author and Perfecter of faith—and to turn away from the corruptions of the flesh (Heb. 12; 2 Pet. 1:4), as well as to reject the allure of wealth, fame, and human power. Ultimately, he delivers a message regarding the Divine Judgment that awaits all humanity, emphasizing the final day when God will call every creature to account.

I will declare my gratitude to You when You bring forth creation. As Athanasius notes, he offers thanks to the Creator solely when God enhances his wealth.