Psalms 49:1-20

Everyone on this earth, now listen to what I say! Listen, no matter who you are, rich or poor. I speak words of wisdom, and my thoughts make sense. I have in mind a mystery that I will explain while playing my harp. Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when I am surrounded by vicious enemies? They trust in their riches and boast about all their wealth. You cannot buy back your life or pay off God! It costs far too much to buy back your life. You can never pay God enough to stay alive for ever and safe from death. We see that wise people die, and so do stupid fools. Then their money is left for someone else. The grave will be their home for ever and ever, although they once had land of their own. Our human glory disappears, and, like animals, we die. Here is what happens to fools and to those who trust the words of fools: They are like sheep with death as their shepherd, leading them to the grave. In the morning God's people will walk all over them, as their bodies lie rotting in their home, the grave. But God will rescue me from the power of death. Don't let it bother you when others get rich and live in luxury. Soon they will die and all their wealth will be left behind. We humans are praised when we do well, and all of us are glad to be alive. But we will each go down to our ancestors, never again to see the light of day. Our human glory disappears, and, like animals, we die.