The Evanescence of Wealth
(Ecclesiastes 5:8–20)

1To him that excelleth. A Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah. Heare this, all ye people: giue eare, all ye that dwell in the world,

2As well lowe as hie, both rich and poore.

3My mouth shal speake of wisdome, and the meditation of mine heart is of knowledge.

4I will incline mine eare to a parable, and vtter my graue matter vpon the harpe.

5Wherefore should I feare in the euil dayes, when iniquitie shal compasse me about, as at mine heeles?

6They trust in their goods, and boast them selues in the multitude of their riches.

7Yet a man can by no meanes redeeme his brother: he can not giue his raunsome to God,

8(So precious is the redemption of their soules, and the continuance for euer)

9That he may liue still for euer, and not see the graue.

10For he seeth that wise men die, and also that the ignorant and foolish perish, & leaue their riches for others.

11Yet they thinke, their houses, and their habitations shall continue for euer, euen from generation to generation, and call their lands by their names.

12But man shall not continue in honour: he is like the beastes that die.

13This their way vttereth their foolishnes: yet their posteritie delite in their talke. Selah.

14Like sheepe they lie in graue: death deuoureth them, and the righteous shall haue domination ouer them in the morning: for their beautie shall consume, when they shall goe from their house to graue.

15But God shall deliuer my soule from the power of the graue: for he will receiue me. Selah.

16Be not thou afrayd when one is made rich, and when the glory of his house is increased.

17For he shall take nothing away when he dieth, neither shal his pompe descende after him.

18For while he liued, he reioyced himselfe: and men will prayse thee, when thou makest much of thy selfe.

19He shal enter into the generation of his fathers, and they shall not liue for euer.

20Man is in honour, and vnderstandeth not: he is like to beasts that perish.