Psalmorum 49
1 In finem, filiis Core. Psalmus. [Audite hæc, omnes gentes; auribus percipite, omnes qui habitatis orbem:
For the leader. Of the Korahites. A psalm. Hear this, you peoples all; attend, all you who live in the world
2 quique terrigenæ et filii hominum, simul in unum dives et pauper.
people of low degree and high, the rich and the poor together.
3 Os meum loquetur sapientiam, et meditatio cordis mei prudentiam.
My mouth shall utter wisdom, the thoughts of a seeing heart.
4 Inclinabo in parabolam aurem meam; aperiam in psalterio propositionem meam.
I incline my ear to a proverb, on the lyre I will open my riddle.
5 Cur timebo in die mala? iniquitas calcanei mei circumdabit me.
Why should I be afraid in the days of misfortune, when circled by wicked and cunning foes,
6 Qui confidunt in virtute sua, et in multitudine divitiarum suarum, gloriantur.
who put their trust in their wealth, and boast of their boundless riches?
7 Frater non redimit, redimet homo: non dabit Deo placationem suam,
For assuredly no one can ransom themselves, or give to God the price of their life,
8 et pretium redemptionis animæ suæ. Et laborabit in æternum;
for the ransom of a life is costly, no payment is ever enough,
9 et vivet adhuc in finem.
to keep them alive for ever and ever, so as never to see the pit at all.
10 Non videbit interitum, cum viderit sapientes morientes: simul insipiens et stultus peribunt. Et relinquent alienis divitias suas,
But see it they will. Even wise people die, the fool and the brutish perish alike, and abandon their wealth to others.
11 et sepulchra eorum domus illorum in æternum; tabernacula eorum in progenie et progenie: vocaverunt nomina sua in terris suis.
The grave is their everlasting home, the place they shall live in for ever and ever, though after their own names they called whole lands.
12 Et homo, cum in honore esset, non intellexit. Comparatus est jumentis insipientibus, et similis factus est illis.
Despite their wealth, they perish like dumb animals.
13 Hæc via illorum scandalum ipsis; et postea in ore suo complacebunt.
This is the fate of the confident fool, and the end of those who are pleased with their portion. (Selah)
14 Sicut oves in inferno positi sunt: mors depascet eos. Et dominabuntur eorum justi in matutino; et auxilium eorum veterascet in inferno a gloria eorum. (Sheol h7585)
Like sheep they descend to Sheol with Death for their shepherd; down they go straight to the grave, and their form wastes away in their home below. (Sheol h7585)
But God will assuredly ransom my life from the hand of Sheol; for he will receive me. (Selah) (Sheol h7585)
16 Ne timueris cum dives factus fuerit homo, et cum multiplicata fuerit gloria domus ejus:
So be not afraid when someone grows rich, when the wealth of their house increases.
17 quoniam, cum interierit, non sumet omnia, neque descendet cum eo gloria ejus.
Not a shred of it all can they take when they die, wealth cannot follow them down.
18 Quia anima ejus in vita ipsius benedicetur; confitebitur tibi cum benefeceris ei.
Though they count themselves happy, when they are alive, and win praise from many for faring so well,
19 Introibit usque in progenies patrum suorum; et usque in æternum non videbit lumen.
they must join their ancestors, who see the light nevermore.
20 Homo, cum in honore esset, non intellexit. Comparatus est jumentis insipientibus, et similis factus est illis.]
The wealthy are without understanding, they perish like dumb animals.
