Psalms 49

1For the leader. Of the Korahites. A psalm.

2Hear this, all you peoples;give ear, all inhabitants of the world,

3both low and high,rich and poor alike.

4My mouth utters wisdom,my speech, cf. 19.15. is full of insight.

5I will turn my attention to a theme,set forth my lesson to the music of a lyre.

6In time of trouble, why should I fearthe encompassing evil of those who would supplant me—

7those who trust in their riches,who glory in their great wealth?

8Ah, it cannot redeem anyone,or pay one’s ransom to God;

9the price of life is too high;and so one ceases to be, forever.

10Shall anyone live eternally,and never see the grave?

11For one sees that the wise die,that the foolish and ignorant both perish,leaving their wealth to others.

12Their grave, taken with ancient versions and medieval commentators as the equivalent of qibram. is their eternal home,the dwelling-place for all generationsof those once famous on earth.

13Mortals do not abide in honor;they are like the beasts that perish.

14Such is the fate of those who are self-confident,the end of those pleased with their own talk. Selah.

15Sheeplike they head for Sheol,with Death as their shepherd.The upright shall rule over them at daybreak,and their form shall waste away in Sheoltill its nobility be gone.

16But God will redeem my life from the clutches of Sheol,by taking me. Selah.

17Do not be afraid when someone else becomes rich,when their household goods increase;

18for when they die they can take none of it along;their goods cannot follow them down.

19Though they congratulate themselves in their lifetime—“All must admit that you did well by yourself”—

20yet they must join the company of their ancestors,who will never see daylight again.

21Mortals do not understand honor;they are like the beasts that perish.