Dual Panel1(A psalm for the people of Korah and for the music leader.) Everyone 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 of 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.
10We see that wise people die, and so do stupid fools. Then their money is left for someone else.
11The grave will be their home forever and ever, although they once had land of their own.
12Our human glory disappears, and, like animals, we die.
13Here is what happens to fools and to those who trust the words of fools:
14They are like sheep with death as their shepherd, leading them to the grave. In the morning God's people will walk all over them, as their bodies lie rotting in their home, the grave.
15But God will rescue me from the power of death.
16Don't let it bother you when others get rich and live in luxury.
17Soon they will die and all of their wealth will be left behind.
18We humans are praised when we do well, and all of us are glad to be alive.
19But we each will go down to our ancestors, never again to see the light of day.
20Our human glory disappears, and, like animals, we die.