Psalms 49:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

I will incline mine ear to a parable, &c.— Much of the eastern wisdom consisted in the understanding of parables, and in the interpretation of dark sayings or riddles: the mysterious cover to this kind of wisdom made it the most high-prized accomplishment; and here, when the Psalmist was to raise and engage the attention of his audience, he promises that he would speak of those things in which the highest wisdom was supposed to consist. He says, he will incline his ear to a parable, and will open his dark saying upon the harp: And indeed, it must be confessed, that in the composition of this psalm, he has made use of every art to render it worthy the subject. See Warburton's Divine Legation, and Numbers 21:27.—I will incline or stoop mine ear, refers to the practice of musicians when they tune their instruments, stooping down and listening attentively to the sound.