7. None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him–
8. For the ransom of a life is too costly, and [the price one can pay] can never suffice–
9. So that he should live on forever and never see the pit (the grave) and corruption.
10. For he sees that even wise men die; the [self-confident] fool and the stupid alike perish and leave their wealth to others.
11. Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names.
12. But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.
13. This is the fate of those who are foolishly confident, yet after them men approve their sayings. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
14. Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol (the place of the dead); death shall be their shepherd. And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their form and beauty shall be consumed, for Sheol shall be their dwelling.
15. But God will redeem me from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead); for He will receive me. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
16. Be not afraid when [an ungodly] one is made rich, when the wealth and glory of his house are increased;
17. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not descend after him.
18. Though while he lives he counts himself happy and prosperous, and though a man gets praise when he does well [for himself],
19. He will go to the generation of his fathers, who will nevermore see the light.
20. A man who is held in honor and understands not is like the beasts that perish.