Psalm 49

William Helder, 1980 ©

1. Come, hear my words, you peoples ev’rywhere,
   And be attentive to what I declare.
   All you who dwell throughout the earth, draw near;
   Let high and low, and rich and poor, give ear.
   My mouth to you great wisdom will impart,
   For thoughtful and discerning is my heart.
   My ear now to a parable inclining,
   I with the harp will show my riddle’s meaning.
   
2. In evil days why should my courage fail,
   Though wicked men against me may prevail -
   Those who in their possessions place their trust,
   Who with their own great riches are impressed?
   None for his brother’s life can pay the price,
   Nor give to God a ransom to suffice.
   From death’s decay man’s wealth can save him never,
   And it will not let him live on forever.
   
3. He surely sees that even wise men die,
   That foolish men cannot death’s power defy.
   The grave’s dark pit will ever be their home,
   Their dwelling for all ages yet to come.
   Although to great estates they give their name,
   They leave their wealth for other men to claim.
   For man, despite the riches he may cherish,
   Cannot abide but, like the beasts, will perish.
   
4. Such is the fate of proud and foolish men,
   The end of those who praise them for their sin.
   Into Sheol like sheep they headlong run;
   Their shepherd, Death, stands by to urge them on.
   They all go down directly to the grave;
   From death’s corruption no one them can save.
   But God will pay my ransom and not leave me,
   For He into His glory will receive me.
   
5. When any man grows rich, be not afraid,
   Nor let his glory render you dismayed.
   He will not take it with him when he dies;
   On his possessions he in vain relies.
   Though he may here enjoy the praise of men,
   He will not see the light of life again.
   For man, despite the riches he may cherish,
   Cannot abide but, like the beasts, will perish.