1. Hear this, all ye peoples; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
2. Both low and high, rich and poor together.
3. My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
4. I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
5. Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when iniquity at my heels compasseth me about?
6. They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
7. None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
8. (For the redemption of their soul is costly, and must be let alone for ever:)