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 ear To parables, and on the harp my sayings dark declare. 5 Amidst those days that evil be, why should I, fearing, doubt? When of my heels th' iniquity shall compass me about. 6 Whoe'er they be that in their wealth their confidence do pitch, And boast themselves, because they are become exceeding rich: 7 Yet none of these his brother can redeem by any way; Nor can he unto God for him sufficient 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 also Do perish; and their wealth, when dead, to others they let go. 11 Their inward thought is, that their house and dwelling-places shall Stand through all ages; they their lands by their own names do call. 12 But yet in honor shall not man abide continually; But passing hence, may be compared unto the beasts that die. 13 Thus brutish folly plainly is their wisdom and their way; Yet their posterity approve what they do fondly say. 14 Like sheep they in the grave are laid, and death shall them devour; And in the morning upright men shall over them have pow'r: Their beauty from their dwelling shall consume 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 one enrichèd thou dost see, Nor when the glory of his house advancèd is on high: 17 For he shall carry nothing hence when death his days doth end; Nor shall his glory after him into the grave descend. 18 Although he his own soul did bless whilst 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 honored wanting knowledge is like beasts that perish quite.