PSALM 49
1For the lead player, for the Korahites, a psalm.
2Hear this, all peoples,
hearken, all who dwell in the world.
3You human creatures, you sons of man,
together the rich and the needy.
4My mouth speaks wisdom,
my heart’s utterance, understanding.
5I incline my ear to a saying,
I take up with the lyre my theme.
6Why should I fear in evil days,
when crime comes round me at my heels?
7Who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches—
8yet they surely will redeem no man,
will not give to God his ransom.
9To redeem their lives is too dear,
and one comes to an end forever.
10Will he yet live forever?
11For he sees the wise die,
both the fool and the stupid man perish,
and they abandon to others their wealth.
12Their grave is their home forever,
their dwelling for all generations,
though their names had been called upon earth.
13And man will not rest in splendor.
He is likened to beasts that are doomed.
14This way of theirs is their foolishness,
and after, in words alone, they show favor.
selah
15Like sheep to Sheol they head—
death shepherds them—
and the upright hold sway over them in the morn.
And they wear out their image in Sheol,
16But God will ransom my life,
from the grip of Sheol He will take me.
selah
17Do not fear when a man grows rich,
when he enlarges his house’s glory.
18For in his death he will not take all,
his glory won’t go down behind him.
19For his own self he blesses when alive
and acclaims You for giving him bounty.
20He will come to the state of his fathers—
forevermore will not see the light.
21Man will not grasp things in splendor.
He is likened to beasts that are doomed.