Psalm 49:1-11

Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by the clan of Korah and for the music leader.)

Don't Depend on Wealth

¹Everyone on this earth,
    now listen to what I say!
²Listen, no matter who you are,
    rich or poor.
³I speak words of wisdom,
    and my thoughts make sense.
⁴I have in mind a mystery
that I will explain
    while playing my harp.

⁵Why should I be afraid
    in times of trouble,
when I am surrounded
    by vicious enemies?
⁶They trust in their riches
and brag about
    all their wealth.
⁷You cannot buy back your life
    or pay off God!
⁸It costs far too much
    to buy back your life.
You can never pay God enough
⁹to stay alive forever
    and safe from death.

¹⁰^(A) We see that wise people die,
    and so do stupid fools.
Then their money is left
    for someone else.
¹¹The grave^[a] will be their home
    forever and ever,
although they once had land
    of their own.