John Gill Commentary Psalms 49:18

"Though while he lived he blessed his soul (And men praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself,)" — Psalms 49:18 (ASV)

Though while he lived he blessed his soul
Praised and extolled himself on account of his acquisitions and merit; or proclaimed himself a happy man, because of his wealth and riches; or foolishly flattered himself with peace, prosperity, and length of days, and even with honour and glory after death;

and [men] will praise you, when you do well to yourself ;
or "but

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FOOTNOTES:

• F11: (Kdwyw) "atque celebraverint te", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. men will praise you" both rich and poor, all wise men; when, as the Jewish interpreters ^F12 generally explain the word, a man regards true wisdom and religion, and is concerned for the welfare of his soul more than that of his body; or "when you yourself do well": that is, to others, doing acts of beneficence, communicating to the necessities of the poor; or rather, "when you do well to yourself", by enjoying the good things of life, taking his portion, eating the fruit of his labour, which is good and comely; see (Ecclesiastes 5:18–20) (Ecclesiastes 6:1Ecclesiastes 6:2) (11:9) .
• F12: Jarchi, Aben Ezra, Kimchi & Ben Melech in loc.