New King James Version

Psalms 49:2-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

2. Both low and high,Rich and poor together.

3. My mouth shall speak wisdom,And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding.

4. I will incline my ear to a proverb;I will disclose my dark saying on the harp.

5. Why should I fear in the days of evil,When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?

6. Those who trust in their wealthAnd boast 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 souls is costly,And it shall cease forever—

9. That he should continue to live eternally,And not see the Pit.

10. For he sees wise men die;Likewise the fool and the senseless person perish,And leave their wealth to others.

11. Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever,Their dwelling places to all generations;They call their lands after their own names.