1. For the leader. Of the Korahites. A psalm.
2. Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
3. men of all estates, rich and poor alike.
4. My mouth utters wisdom, my speech is full of insight.
5. I will turn my attention to a theme, set forth my lesson to the music of a lyre.
6. In time of trouble, why should I fear the encompassing evil of those who would supplant me --
7. men who trust in their riches, who glory in their great wealth?
8. Ah, it cannot redeem a man, or pay his ransom to God;
9. the price of life is too high; and so one ceases to be, forever.
10. Shall he live eternally, and never see the grave?
11. For one sees that the wise die, that the foolish and ignorant both perish, leaving their wealth to others.
12. Their grave is their eternal home, the dwelling-place for all generations of those once famous on earth.
13. Man does not abide in honor; he is like the beasts that perish.
14. Such is the fate of those who are self-confident, the end of those pleased with their own talk. Selah.
15. Sheeplike they head for Sheol, with Death as their shepherd. The upright shall rule over them at daybreak, and their form shall waste away in Sheol till its nobility be gone.
16. But God will redeem my life from the clutches of Sheol, for He will take me. Selah.
17. Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich, when his household goods increase;
18. for when he dies he can take none of it along; his goods cannot follow him down.
19. Though he congratulates himself in his lifetime -- "They must admit that you did well by yourself" --
20. yet he must join the company of his ancestors, who will never see daylight again.
21. Man does not understand honor; he is like the beasts that perish.
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