9that he should live on forever

and not see decay.

10For all can see that wise men die;

the foolish and the senseless alike perish

and leave their wealth to others.

11Their tombs will remain their houses^a forever,

their dwellings for endless generations,

though they had^b named lands after themselves.

12But man, despite his riches, does not endure;

he is^c like the beasts that perish.

13This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,

and of their followers, who approve their sayings.       Selah

14Like sheep they are destined for the grave,^d

and death will feed on them.

The upright will rule over them in the morning;

their forms will decay in the grave,^e

far from their princely mansions.

15But God will redeem my life^f from the grave;

he will surely take me to himself.       Selah

16Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,

when the splendor of his house increases;

17for he will take nothing with him when he dies,

his splendor will not descend with him.

18Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—

and men praise you when you prosper—

19he will join the generation of his fathers,

who will never see the light [of life].

20A man who has riches without understanding

is like the beasts that perish.