Psalm XLIX.
1
Regard my words ye people all;
Throughout the world that dwell:
Both high and low, both rich and poor,
Attend and listen well.
2
My meditation and my song,
Of deepest wisdom are:
My parables and sayings dark,
On harp I will declare.
3
Why should I fear, when age shall come,
Those days that evil be:
And death it self the fruit of sin,
Supplant and compass me?
4
No man indeed with all his wealth,
His brother can redeem:
Nor can to God by any means,
A ransom pay for him.
5
But when the souls redemption ceas'd,
And paid by none could be;
He paid it, who for ever lives,
Nor could corruption see.
6
We see, both wise and foolish men,
Are dying every day:
And as they die they leave their wealth,
For others to enjoy.
7
They vainly think, their mansion seats,
For ever shall endure:
And by their names they call their lands,
As if they were secure.
8
But man, at first in honour set,
Continued not a day:
And hence like beasts his mortal race
Must perish and decay.
9
This way of theirs their folly is,
Yet their posterity,
Their sayings and imprudent ways,
Commend and justifie.
10
Death shall devour then, when like sheep
They shall be laid in grave:
But in the morn the upright man,
Shall the dominion have.
11
The grave their beauty shall consume;
But from its power and bands:
The Lord my God will me redeem,
And take into his hands.
12
Then envy not to see a man,
Become exceeding rich:
Nor when his house in honour grows,
Unto the highest pitch.
13
For when he dies, his pomp and wealth,
Behind him leave he must:
Nor shall his glory after him,
Descend into the dust.
14
Though whilst he liv'd, he blest his soul,
(And men will praise the still,
When of thy self thou makest much,
And dost enjoy thy fill.
15
Yet shall he to his fathers go,
No more the light to see:
Thus man in honour, but unwise,
How like a beast is he!
