Psalm 49

To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.

1        Hear this, all people, and give ear,

                   all in the world that dwell;

2        Both low and high, both rich and poor.

3                 My mouth shall wisdom tell:

          My heart shall knowledge meditate.

4                 I will incline mine ear

          To parables, and on the harp

                   my sayings dark declare.

5        Amidst those days that evil be,

                   why should I, fearing, doubt?

          When of my heels th' iniquity

                   shall compass me about.

6        Whoe'er they be that in their wealth

                   their confidence do pitch,

          And boast themselves, because they are

                   become exceeding rich:

7        Yet none of these his brother can

                   redeem by any way;

          Nor can he unto God for him

                   sufficient ransom pay,

8        (Their soul's redemption precious is,

                   and it can never be,)

9        That still he should for ever live,

                   and not corruption see.

10      For why? he seeth that wise men die,

                   and brutish fools also

          Do perish; and their wealth, when dead,

                   to others they let go.

11      Their inward thought is, that their house

                   and dwellingplaces shall

          Stand through all ages; they their lands

                   by their own names do call.

12      But yet in honour shall not man

                   abide continually;

          But passing hence, may be compar'd

                   unto the beasts that die.

13      Thus brutish folly plainly is

                   their wisdom and their way;

          Yet their posterity approve

                   what they do fondly say.

14      Like sheep they in the grave are laid,

                   and death shall them devour;

          And in the morning upright men

                   shall over them have pow'r:

          Their beauty from their dwelling shall

                   consume within the grave.

15      But from hell's hand God will me free,

                   for he shall me receive.

16      Be thou not then afraid when one

                   enriched thou dost see,

          Nor when the glory of his house

                   advanced is on high:

17      For he shall carry nothing hence

                   when death his days doth end;

          Nor shall his glory after him

                   into the grave descend.

18      Although he his own soul did bless

                   whilst he on earth did live;

          (And when thou to thyself dost well,

                   men will thee praises give;)

19      He to his fathers' race shall go,

                   they never shall see light.

20      Man honour'd wanting knowledge is

                   like beasts that perish quite.