Hear this, all people, give ear.
All who dwell on the earth.
Both the high and the low.
Both the rich and the poor.
My mouth shall sound forth with wisdom.
The thoughts of my heart with understanding.
I'll incline my ear to a proverb.
Solve my riddle to the music of a harp.
What should I fear in times of trouble?
With all the sins of my foes all around me?
Men who trust in their wealth.
Who boast in the surplus of their riches.
No man can ransom himself.
Or give God the price of his life.
For the ransom of his life is too costly.
That he should always live and never see the pit.
For since even wise men will die.
So the fool and the ignorant perish.
Leaving their wealth all to others.
Though they thought that their homes were forever.
Their dwelling for all generations.
They called earthly lands by their names.
But no man abides in his boasting.
Like the beasts of the earth they shall die.
But God will ransom my soul.
From the power of Sheol.
This is the fate of the foolish.
And of all who approve of their words.
As sheep that are led to Sheol.
With death leading them as their shepherd.
The upright shall reign in the morning.
While their form is consumed by Sheol.
So they shall be left with no dwelling.
But God will ransom my soul.
Yes, God will ransom my soul.
From the power of Sheol.
Fret not for those who get rich.
Though the wealth of his house is increasing.
He'll carry nothing when he dies.
And his wealth will not go down with him.
Though while he lived he blessed himself.
And was praised for all his success.
He shall go to the place of his fathers.
Who will never again see the light.
But God will ransom my soul.
From the power of Sheol.
God will ransom my soul.
And receive me.