Psalms 49:1-13 ▼

1 For the end, a Psalm for the sons of Core. Hear these words, all ye nations, hearken, all ye that dwell upon the earth:

2 both the sons of mean men, and sons of great men; the rich and poor man together.

3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall bring forth understanding.

4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my riddle on the harp.

5 Wherefore should I fear in the evil day? the iniquity of my heel shall compass me.

6 They that trust in their strength, and boast themselves in the multitude of their wealth -

7 A brother does not redeem, shall a man redeem? he shall not give to God a ransom for himself,

8 or the price of the redemption of his soul, though he labour for ever,

9 and live to the end, so that he should not see corruption.

10 When he shall see wise men dying, the fool and the senseless one shall perish together; and they shall leave their wealth to strangers.

11 And their sepulchres are their houses for ever, even their tabernacles to all generations: they have called their lands after their own names.

12 And man being in honour, understands not: he is compared to the senseless cattle, and is like to them.

13 This their way is an offence to them: yet afterwards men will commend their sayings. Pause.