תהילים מט

For the leader. Of the Korahites. A psalm.

Hear this, all you peoples;
give ear, all inhabitants of the world,

both low and high,
rich and poor alike.

My mouth utters wisdom,
my speech, cf. 19.15. is full of insight.

I will turn my attention to a theme,
set forth my lesson to the music of a lyre.

In time of trouble, why should I fear
the encompassing evil of those who would supplant me—

those who trust in their riches,
who glory in their great wealth?

Ah, it cannot redeem anyone,
or pay one’s ransom to God;

the price of life is too high;
and so one ceases to be, forever.

Shall anyone live eternally,
and never see the grave?

For one sees that the wise die,
that the foolish and ignorant both perish,
leaving their wealth to others.

Their grave, taken with ancient versions and medieval commentators as the equivalent of qibram. is their eternal home,
the dwelling-place for all generations
of those once famous on earth.

Mortals do not abide in honor;
they are like the beasts that perish.

Such is the fate of those who are self-confident,
the end of those pleased with their own talk.    Selah.

Sheeplike they head for Sheol,
with Death as their shepherd.
The upright shall rule over them at daybreak,
and their form shall waste away in Sheol
till its nobility be gone.

But God will redeem my life from the clutches of Sheol,
by taking me.    Selah.

Do not be afraid when someone else becomes rich,
when their household goods increase;

for when they die they can take none of it along;
their goods cannot follow them down.

Though they congratulate themselves in their lifetime
—“All must admit that you did well by yourself”—

yet they must join the company of their ancestors,
who will never see daylight again.

Mortals do not understand honor;
they are like the beasts that perish.