4
I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp.
5
Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me,
6
those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?
7
Truly, no ransom avails for one's life, there is no price one can give to God for it.
8
For the ransom of life is costly, and can never suffice,
9
that one should live on forever and never see the grave.
10
When we look at the wise, they die; fool and dolt perish together and leave their wealth to others.
11
Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own.
12
Mortals cannot abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish.
13
Such is the fate of the foolhardy, the end of those who are pleased with their lot. (Selah)
14
Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; straight to the grave they descend, and their form shall waste away; Sheol shall be their home.