[1] Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all you inhabitants of the world, [2] Both low and high, rich and poor together: [3] My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. [4] I will submit and consent to a parable or proverb; to the music of a lyre I will unfold my riddle (my problem). [5] Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of those who would supplant me surrounds me on every side, [6] Even of those who trust in and lean on their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? [7] None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him- [8] For the ransom of a life is too costly, and [the price one can pay] can never suffice- [9] So that he should live on forever and never see the pit (the grave) and corruption. [10] For he sees that even wise men die; the [self-confident] fool and the stupid alike perish and leave their wealth to others. [11] Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. [12] But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. [13] This is the fate of those who are foolishly confident, yet after them men approve their sayings. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! [14] Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol (the place of the dead); death shall be their shepherd. And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their form and beauty shall be consumed, for Sheol shall be their dwelling. [15] But God will redeem me from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead); for He will receive me. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! [16] Be not afraid when [an ungodly] one is made rich, when the wealth and glory of his house are increased; [17] For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not descend after him. [18] Though while he lives he counts himself happy and prosperous, and though a man gets praise when he does well [for himself], [19] He will go to the generation of his fathers, who will nevermore see the light. [20] A man who is held in honor and understands not is like the beasts that perish.
