To the chief musician a psalm for the sons of Korah.
1 HEar this all people, all give ear
that dwell the world all o’re.
2 Sons both of low, and higher men,
jointly both rich and poor.
3 My mouth it shall variety
of wisdom be speaking:
and my hearts meditation shall
be of understanding.
4 Unto a speech proverbial
I will mine ear incline;
I will also upon the Harp
open my dark doctrine.
5 Why should I be at all afraid
in days that evil be:
when that my heels iniquity
about shall compass me.
(2)
6 Those men that make their great estates
their stay to trust unto,
who in the plenty of their wealth
themselves do boast also:
7 There’s not a man of them that can
by any means redeem
his brother, nor give unto God
enough to ransom him.
8 So dear their souls’ redemption is
and ever ceaseth it.
9 That he should still forever live
and never see the pit.
10 For he doth see that wise man dye,
to fool and brutish too
to perish, and their rich estate
to others leave they doo.
11 They think their houses are for aye
to generations all
their dwelling places, and their lands
by their own names they call.
12 Nevertheless, in honour man,
abideth not a night:
become he is just like unto
the beasts the perish quite.
13 This their own way their folly is;
yet whatsoe’re they say,
their successors that follow them
do well approve. Selah.
14 Like sheep so are they laid in grave,
death shall them feed upon;
and th’ upright over them in morn
shall have dominion.
And from the place where they do dwell,
the beauty which they have,
shall utterly consume away
in the devouring grave.
(3)
15 But surely God redemption
unto my soul will give,
even from the power of the grave,
for he will me receive. Selah.
16 Be not afraid when as a man
in wealth is made to grow,
and when the glory of his house
abundantly doth flow.
17 Because he shall carry away
nothing when he doth dye:
neither shall after him descend
ought of his dignity.
18 And albeit that he his soul
in time of his life blest,
and men will praise thee, when as thou
much of thy self makest.
19 He shall go to his fathers race,
they never shall see light.
20 Man in honour, and know’th not, is
like beasts that perish quite.