Psalms 49:13
This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
דַ֭רְכָּם
This their way
H1870
דַ֭רְכָּם
This their way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
כֵּ֣סֶל
is their folly
H3689
כֵּ֣סֶל
is their folly
Strong's:
H3689
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
וְאַחֲרֵיהֶ֓ם׀
yet their posterity
H310
וְאַחֲרֵיהֶ֓ם׀
yet their posterity
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
בְּפִיהֶ֖ם
their sayings
H6310
בְּפִיהֶ֖ם
their sayings
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
6 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Historical Context
Wisdom literature frequently noted how foolishness passes from generation to generation when children fail to learn from parents' errors. The cycle continues until someone breaks free through wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does foolishness get transmitted from generation to generation?
- What breaks the cycle of approving the folly of the previous generation?
Analysis & Commentary
The way of fools: 'This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings.' Those who trust wealth follow a foolish path, yet their children repeat the same errors. Generational folly perpetuates itself as children 'approve' (literally, 'find pleasure in') their parents' misguided values.