Study Desk

To the chief musician, A Psalm for the Sons of Korah. Hear this, all peoples, give ear, all those living in the world,

both sons of mankind and sons of man together, rich and poor:

My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the thoughts of my heart shall be of understanding.

I will bow down my ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying on the harp.

Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the perversity of my ambushers will surround me?

Those who trust in their wealth and in their many riches boast themselves.

A man cannot at all redeem a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him,

for the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceases forever,

for he shall yet live forever; he shall never see corruption.

For he sees wise men die; together the fool and the animal-like ones perish and leave their riches to others.

Their inward thought is that their houses shall last forever, their dwelling-places to all generations; they call lands after their own names.

But man shall not remain high in honor; he is like the animals; they shall be cut off.

This way of theirs is folly to them, yet their followers shall be pleased by their mouth. Selah.

Like sheep, they are appointed to Sheol. Death shall reign for them. And upright ones shall rule over them in the morning; and their form is for rotting; Sheol is home for him.

But God will redeem my soul from the hand of Sheol, for He will take me. Selah.

Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases;

for when he dies he shall take nothing; his glory shall not go down after him.

For in his life he blessed his soul; yea, men praise you when you do well for yourself.

He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall not see light forever.

Man, though high in honor, but understanding not, is like the animals; they shall be cut off.