[1] Hear this, all you people; give ear, all you inhabitants of the world, [2] both low and high, rich and poor together. [3] My mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will be understanding. [4] I will incline my ear to a parable; I will expound my riddle with a harp. [5] Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my stalkers surrounds me? [6] Those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the multitude of their riches, [7] none of them can by any means redeem the other, nor give to God a ransom for anyone, [8] for the redemption of their souls is costly; even so people cease to exist forever, [9] making efforts to live eternally, and not see the pit. [10] For one sees that wise men die, together the fool and the brute perish, and leave their wealth to others. [11] Their graves become their perpetual homes, and their dwelling places to all generations, though they call their lands after their own names. [12] But a man does not abide in honor; mankind is like the beasts that come to ruin. [13] This is their way, it is their folly; yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah [14] Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; the upright shall rule over them in the morning, and their form shall waste away in Sheol, far from their dwelling. [15] But God shall redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He shall receive me. Selah [16] Do not fear when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased, [17] for he takes nothing away in death; his glory does not descend after him. [18] Though while he lives he blesses his soul- and men will praise you when you do well for yourself- [19] that soul will go to the generation of his fathers; they will never see light. [20] A man in honor, and yet without understanding, is like the animals that perish.
