Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 49:18
Though while he lived - Margin, as in Hebrew, “in his life.” More literally, “in his lives.” The idea is, as long as he lived.He blessed his soul - That is, he blessed himself; he congratulated himself; he regarded his condition as desirable and enviable. He “took airs” upon himself; he felt that his was a happy lot; he expected and demanded respect and honor from others on account of his wealth. He commended himself as having evinced sagacity in the means by which he acquired wealth - thus... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 49:18
Though while he lived he blessed his soul (comp. Psalms 10:3 ; Luke 12:19 ). He thought himself happy, and congratulated himself on his good fortune. And men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself . 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... read more