1For the leader. Of the Korahites. A psalm. Hear this, you peoples all; give ear, all you who live in the world
2people of low degree and high, the rich and the poor together.
3My mouth shall utter wisdom, the thoughts of a seeing heart.
4I incline my ear to a proverb, on the lyre I will open my riddle.
5Why should I be afraid in the days of misfortune, when circled by wicked and cunning foes,
6who put their trust in their wealth, and boast of their boundless riches?
7For assuredly no one can ransom themselves, or give to God the price of their life,
8for the ransom of a life is costly, no payment is ever enough,
9to keep them alive for ever and ever, so as never to see the pit at all.
10But see it they will. Even wise people die, the fool and the brutish perish alike, and abandon their wealth to others.
11The grave is their everlasting home, the place they shall live in for ever and ever, though after their own names they called whole lands.
12Despite their wealth, they perish like dumb animals.
13This is the fate of the confident fool, and the end of those who are pleased with their portion. Selah
14Like sheep they descend to Sheol with Death for their shepherd; down they go straight to the grave, and their form wastes away in their home below.
15But God will assuredly ransom my life from the hand of Sheol; for he will receive me. Selah
16So be not afraid when someone grows rich, when the wealth of their house increases.
17Not a shred of it all can they take when they die, wealth cannot follow them down.
18Though they count themselves happy, when they are alive, and win praise from many for faring so well,
19they must join their ancestors, who see the light nevermore.
20The wealthy are without understanding, they perish like dumb animals.
