1 Hear this, all [you2f] people; give ear, all [you2f] 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 For what reason should I fear in the days of evil, [when] the iniquity of my heels shall compass (go around, encircle; encompass) 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-Elōhīm (The Living Word) [The Many Powered] a ransom for him:

8 (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceases forever)

9 That he should still live forever, [and] not see corruption.

10 For he sees [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the "stupid as a beast" person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their inward thought [is, that] their houses [shall continue] forever, [and] their dwelling places to all generations; they call [their] lands after their own names.

12 Nevertheless man [being] in honour abides not: he is like the beasts [that] perish.

13 This their way [is] their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah [stop and diligently consider what was just said].

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-Elōhīm (The Living Word) [The Many Powered] will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah [stop and diligently consider what was just said].

16 Be not youi afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

17 For when he dies he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

18 Though while he lived he Blessed (Favored by God; happy; prosperous) his soul: and [men] will praise youi, when youi do well to yourself.

19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.

20 Man [that is] in honour, and understands not, is like the beasts [that] perish.