1Hear this all ye people: give ear, all ye that dwell in the world,
2As well low as high, both rich and poor.
3My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and the meditation of mine heart is of knowledge.
4I will incline mine ear to a parable, and utter my grave matter upon the harp.
5Wherefore should I fear in the evil days, when iniquity shall compass me about, as at mine heels?
6They trust in their goods, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches.
7Yet a man can by no means redeem his brother: he cannot give his ransom to God,
8(So precious is the redemption of their souls, and the continuance forever)
9That he may live still forever, and not see the grave.
10For he seeth that wise men die: and also that the ignorant and foolish perish, and leave their riches for others.
11Yet they think their houses and their habitations shall continue forever, even from generation to generation, and call their lands by their names.
12But man shall not continue in honor; he is like the beasts that die.
13This their way uttereth their foolishness; yet their posterity delight in their talk. Selah.
14Like sheep they lie in grave; death devoureth them; and the righteous shall have domination over them in the morning; for their beauty shall consume, when they shall go from their house to grave.
15But God shall deliver my soul from the power of the grave; for he will receive me. Selah.
16Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, and when the glory of his house is increased.
17For he shall take nothing away, when he dieth, neither shall his pomp descend after him.
18For while he lived, he rejoiced himself; and men will praise thee, when thou makest much of thyself.
19He shall enter into the generation of his fathers, and they shall not live forever.
20Man is in honor; and understandeth not; he is like to beasts that perish.