Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
"Lying vanities ..." Dummelow pointed out that this is in every way the equivalent of "idol gods"[36]  (Deuteronomy 32:21).  The word "vanity" means literally "something evanescent and worthless."[37]  It exemplifies a strange trait of human nature that Jonah who himself was not at that time out of danger should nevertheless have uttered these derogatory remarks about the pagan sailors (who seem to be in his thoughts), even addressing such remarks to God himself!  Despite the fair and even magnanimous actions of the sailors toward himself, Jonah appears in this passage not to have entertained any generous thoughts concerning them.