Psalms 49:1-9 ▼

1 [For the choir director; a psalm by Korah's descendants.] Listen to this, all you people. Open your ears, all who live in the world-

2 common people and important ones, rich people and poor ones.

3 My mouth will speak wise sayings, the insights I have carefully considered.

4 I will turn my attention to a proverb. I will explain my riddle with the [music of] a lyre.

5 Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when slanderers surround me with evil?

6 They trust their riches and brag about their abundant wealth.

7 No one can ever buy back another person or pay God a ransom for his life.

8 The price to be paid for his soul is too costly. He must always give up

9 in order to live forever and never see the pit.