Hear this, all you people; give ear, all you inhabitants of the world:

Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of recognition.

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my heart saying upon the song of life.

Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when transgressions of others shall surround me about?

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption of their flesh.

For the Divine Creator that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

Nevertheless some men choose not to abide by the Law; they are like beasts that perish.

This their way is their folly: yet their behaviour proves it. Amen.