[001] Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
[002] Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
[003] My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
[004] I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
[005] Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?
[006] They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
[007] None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
[008] (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
[009] That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
[010] For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
[011] 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.
[012] Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
[013] This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
[014] 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 consume in the grave from their dwelling.
[015] But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
[016] Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
[017] For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
[018] Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
[019] He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
[020] Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.