Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 115:17

"The dead praise not Jehovah, Neither any that go down into silence;" — Psalms 115:17 (ASV)

The dead praise not the Lord—The meaning of this is that since those who are dead cannot praise God or worship him, this should be done while we are in the land of the living. This opportunity, like all other opportunities, will be cut off in the grave, and therefore, we should be faithful in this duty and avail ourselves of this privilege while life lasts. Regarding the sentiment expressed here, and the grounds on which that sentiment was held, see the notes at Isaiah 38:18-19; notes at Psalms 6:5.

Neither any that go down into silence—Into the grave—the land of silence (Psalms 94:17). Nothing is more impressive regarding the grave than its utter silence. Not a voice, not a sound, is heard there: of birds or human beings; of song or conversation; of the roaring of the sea, the sighing of the breeze, the fury of the storm, the tumult of battle. Perfect stillness reigns there; and the first sound that shall be heard there will be the archangel’s trump.