1. Hear this, all people, and give ear,all in the world that dwell;
2. Both low and high, both rich and poor.
3. My mouth shall wisdom tell:My heart shall knowledge meditate.
4. I will incline mine earTo parables, and on the harpmy sayings dark declare.
5. Amidst those days that evil be,why should I, fearing, doubt?When of my heels th' iniquityshall compass me about.
6. Whoe'er they be that in their wealththeir confidence do pitch,And boast themselves, because they arebecome exceeding rich:
7. Yet none of these his brother canredeem by any way;Nor can he unto God for himsufficient ransom pay,
8. (Their soul's redemption precious is,and it can never be,)
9. That still he should for ever live,and not corruption see.
10. For why? he seeth that wise men die,and brutish fools alsoDo perish; and their wealth, when dead,to others they let go.
11. Their inward thought is, that their houseand dwelling-places shallStand through all ages; they their landsby their own names do call.
12. But yet in honour shall not manabide continually;But passing hence, may be compar'dunto the beasts that die.
13. Thus brutish folly plainly istheir wisdom and their way;Yet their posterity approvewhat they do fondly say.
14. Like sheep they in the grave are laid,and death shall them devour;And in the morning upright menshall over them have pow'r:Their beauty from their dwelling shallconsume within the grave.
15. But from hell's hand God will me free,for he shall me receive.
16. Be thou not then afraid when oneenriched thou dost see,Nor when the glory of his houseadvanced is on high:
17. For he shall carry nothing hencewhen death his days doth end;Nor shall his glory after himinto the grave descend.
18. Although he his own soul did blesswhilst he on earth did live;(And when thou to thyself dost well,men will thee praises give;)
19. He to his fathers' race shall go,they never shall see light.
20. Man honour'd wanting knowledge islike beasts that perish quite.