1(49-1) For the Leader; a Psalm of the sons of Korah. (49-2) Hear this, all ye peoples; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world,

2(49-3) Both low and high, rich and poor together.

3(49-4) My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

4(49-5) I will incline mine ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

5(49-6) Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my supplanters compasseth me about,

6(49-7) Of them that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches?

7(49-8) No man can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him —

8(49-9) For too costly is the redemption of their soul, and must be let alone for ever —

9(49-10) That he should still live alway, that he should not see the pit.

10(49-11) For he seeth that wise men die, the fool and the brutish together perish, and leave their wealth to others.

11(49-12) Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling-places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

12(49-13) But man abideth not in honour; he is like the beasts that perish.

13(49-14) This is the way of them that are foolish, and of those who after them approve their sayings. Selah

14(49-15) Like sheep they are appointed for the nether-world; death shall be their shepherd; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their form shall be for the nether-world to wear away, that there be no habitation for it.

15(49-16) But God will redeem my soul from the power of the nether-world; for He shall receive me. Selah

16(49-17) Be not thou afraid when one waxeth rich, when the wealth of his house is increased;

17(49-18) For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; his wealth shall not descend after him.

18(49-19) Though while he lived he blessed his soul: 'Men will praise thee, when thou shalt do well to thyself';

19(49-20) It shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see the light.

20(49-21) Man that is in honour understandeth not; he is like the beasts that perish.