[For the end, a Psalm for the sons of Core.][1]Hear these words, all ye nations, hearken, all ye that dwell upon the earth:[2]both the sons of mean men, and sons of great men; the rich and poor man together.[3]My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall bring forth understanding.[4]I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my riddle on the harp.[5]Wherefore should I fear in the evil day? the iniquity of my heel shall compass me.[6]They that trust in their strength, and boast themselves in the multitude of their wealth—[7]A brother does not redeem, shall a man redeem? he shall not give to God a ransom for himself,[8]or the price of the redemption of his soul, though he labour for ever,[9]and live to the end, so that he should not see corruption.[10]When he shall see wise men dying, the fool and the senseless one shall perish together; and they shall leave their wealth to strangers.[11]And their sepulchres are their houses for ever, even their tabernacles to all generations: they have called their lands after their own names.[12]And man being in honour, understands not: he is compared to the senseless cattle, and is like to them.[13]This their way is an offence to them: yet afterwards men will commend their sayings. Pause.[14]They have laid them as sheep in Hades; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning, and their help shall fail in Hades from their glory.[15]But God shall deliver my soul from the power of Hades, when he shall receive me. Pause.[16]Fear not when a man is enriched, and when the glory of his house is increased.[17]For he shall take nothing when he dies; neither shall his glory descend with him.[18]For his soul shall be blessed in his life: he shall give thanks to thee when thou dost well to him.[19]Yet he shall go in to the generation of his fathers; he shall never see light.[20]Man that is in honour, understands not: he is compared to the senseless cattle, and is like them.
Credit
Author: Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851)
Source: ecmarsh.com