[1] Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world, [2] both low and high, rich and poor together. [3] My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. [4] I will incline mine ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying upon the harp. [5] Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels shall compass me about? [6] They that trust in their wealth and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches, [7] none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him [8] (for the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever), [9] that they should still live for ever, and not see corruption. [10] For he seeth that wise men die; likewise the fool and the brutish person perish and leave their wealth to others. [11] Their inward thought is that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. [12] Nevertheless man, though he be in honor, abideth not; he is like the beasts that perish. [13] This their way is their folly, yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah [14] Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them, and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning, and their beauty shall be consumed in the grave away from their dwelling. [15] But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah [16] Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased. [17] For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him. [18] Though while he lived he blessed his soul (and men will praise thee when thou doest well for thyself), [19] he shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. [20] Man, though he is in honor but understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
