1Hear this, all you people; listen carefully, all you who inhabit the world, 2Great and small, both rich and poor. 3My words shall impart wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall bring understanding. 4I will consider a proverb; I and will expound upon a mystery while playing the harp.

5Why should I fear in times of trouble, when wicked deceivers surround me? 6They are those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the abundance of their riches; 7None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor pay his debt to God. 8(For the redemption of their soul is precious and costly, and no payment is sufficient), 9That he should still live forever, and never see the grave. 10For all can see that wise men die, as well as the fool; and stupid people perish, and leave their wealth to others. 11Their innermost thought is that their houses, and their dwelling places shall last to all generations; they call their lands by their own names. 12Still, a man’s honor does not last; he, like the animals, will perish.

13This is the fate of those who trust in themselves; yet their posterity remembers them as wise. Selah. 14Like sheep they are destined for the decomposition of the grave; and the righteous shall have the ultimate victory; as their earthly beauty decomposes where they lie in the grave. 15But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for He shall receive me to Himself. Selah. 16Be Do not be in awe when a man grows rich, when his splendor increases; 17For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his splendor shall not follow after him, 18Though while he lived he considered himself fortunate; and men applauded his success and accomplishments. 19He shall join generations of those who proceeded hm; they shall never see the light. 20Men who have and trust in wealth, and lack understanding, are like the beasts that perish.

A Psalm of Asaph.