[1]Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:[2]Both low and high, rich and poor, together.[3]My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.[4]I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.[5]Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?[6]They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;[7]None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:[8](For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)[9]That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.[10]For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.[11]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.[12]Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.[13]This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.[14]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.[15]But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.[16]Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;[17]For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.[18]Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.[19]He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.[20]Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.