For it is clear that wise men die,
It is obvious that wise and foolish alike die and leave their wealth to others.
This verse levels humanity under the shared verdict of death.
1For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. 2both low and high, 3My mouth will impart wisdom, 4I will incline my ear to a proverb; 5Why should I fear in times of trouble, 6They trust in their wealth 7No man can possibly redeem his brother 8For the redemption of his soul is costly, 9that he should live on forever 10For it is clear that wise men die, 11Their graves are their eternal homes — 12But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; 13This is the fate of the foolish 14Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. 15But God will redeem my life from Sheol, 16Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, 17For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; 18Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul — 19he will join the generation of his fathers, 20A man who has riches without understanding