​Listen up, all the earth!  Pay attention!
Everyone in the world, give your ear!
Those born low or born high — doesn't matter!
Whether rich or you're poor — listen here!

Every word of my mouth speaks of wisdom,
every thought is insightful and sharp.
For I listen to many a proverb,
and solve riddles by way of the harp.

Should I fear when my troubles start coming,
or surrounded by venomous foes?
Even those who would trust in their riches,
or would boast how their revenue grows?

​Man can neither redeem his own brother,
nor can ransom his life at God's price.
The redemption of souls is so costly
that no payment would ever suffice

​to allow him to live on forever;
that his body would never decay.
It is clear wise men die with the foolish,
and the senseless leave wealth without say.

For their graves will entomb them forever​,
though estates may yet carry their name.
But, in spite of past glories and honors,
they will perish like beasts all the same.

All of this is the fate of self-confident fools,
and of those who would follow their teachings and rules.
Selah

They are​​ sheep that are destined for Sheol;
by their shepherd of death are they led.
In the morning the godly will rule them,
and their bodies will rot with the dead.

From the power of death, God will ransom my soul;
he'll receive me with grace from the hand of Sheol.
Selah

​Do not fear when the wicked grow richer,
when their homes are the best homes in town.
When they die, they will take with them nothing,
for their wealth will not follow them down.

While they live they think they have been favored,
for they're praised when success comes their way.
But they'll die like their fathers before them,
and will nevermore see light of day.

Those who boast of their wealth yet who understand not,
​are like beasts that will perish and then soon forgot.

​Oh, how great is the LORD who is worthy of praising,
in the city of God on his mountain, we sing.
It is lofty and high, and to earth — it's amazing!
On Mount Zion, the city and home of the King!

God, himself, is inside of Jerusalem's towers,
he has made himself known as the Rock of Defense.
When the kings joined together their forces and powers,
they advanced and passed by with their faux confidence.

But, as soon as they saw it they all were astounded;
they were troubled and panicked and fled in their fear.
In a frenzy they trembled, completely confounded,
in great anguish as mothers whose labors were here.

You destroyed them like ships in east winds without pity.
As we've heard, so we've seen with our eyes the allure — 
for the LORD ​of the Armies is there in God's city,
in the city that God will forever make sure.
[Interlude]

​We have thought on your kindness in our meditation,
in the midst of your temple while worshiping you.
Like your name, you'll be praised until earth's termination;
God, your right hand is full of your righteousness, too.

​Let Mount Zion be glad!  All of Judah, delighted,
on account that your judgements are honest and fair.
Take a walk around Zion together, united;
count her towers to see just how many are there;

and remember her ramparts, her citadels, hallways,
to describe to the next generation beyond.
Because this God is our God forever and always;
and he'll guide us and lead us till all breath is gone.

​Clap your hands, everyone!  Every nation!
Shout with joy in proclaiming God’s worth!
For the LORD, the Most High — he is awesome;
he’s the King over all of the earth.

​He subdues all the people before us,
and the nations beneath us are placed.
He has chosen our heritage for us,
which was Jacob’s, whom he has embraced.
[Selah]

God ascends to his throne with glad shouting,
and the LORD, with the blast of horns raised.
Sing your praises to God, sing your praises!
Sing your praises; may our King be praised!

For our God is the King of the world;
sing a psalm wherein wisdom is shown.
It is God who reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.

And the nobles of nations have gathered
with the people of Abraham’s God.
For the kings of the earth​​ have surrendered;
God is highly exalted and awed.

​​Our God is our refuge and power indeed,
a present and sure help in moments of need.
For we will not fear though earth shakes violently;
though mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
​though seas rage and surge, churning foam with their tide;
though mountaintops quake at the waters' swelled pride.
[Interlude]

The joy in God's city — a river provides,
the holy place wherein the Most High resides.​
God dwells in that city, it can't be undone:
he'll help her before the first rays of the sun.
The nations rage on and their kingdoms decay;
God thunders his voice and the earth melts away.
​​The LORD of the heavenly armies is here;
our refuge, the LORD God of Jacob, is near.
[Interlude]

Come, see and behold the LORD's works of his hands,
who brings desolation throughout all the lands.
He causes the wars through the earth to expire;
breaks bows and snaps spears, and he burns shields with fire.
Be still, know I'm God!  You will honor my worth!
I will be exalted by all on the earth!
​The LORD of the heavenly armies is here;
our refuge, the LORD God of Jacob, is near.
[Interlude]

​Oh, my heart's stirred with words that are noble;
written verse, to the king, I'll recite;
for my tongue is a quill to be used with the skill
(yes, my tongue is a pen to be bent to the will)
of a scribe who is ready and eager to write.

You're the handsomest man without measure;
on your lips has grace always found rest;
on account of that kiss God has given you this:
(yes, the God of creation has promised you this)
you will always forever and ever be blessed.

Strap your sword on your thigh, mighty warrior;
in your splendor and majesty, go.
In your majesty ride​​ with the truth at your side;
(ride with justice and righteousness matching your stride)
may your right hand teach awesome things that you should know.

​Pierce the foes of your king with sharp arrows;
let the nations fall under your feet.
May your throne, God, endure — be forever secure;
​may your throne last forever to ever ensure
that the scepter of justice be used from that seat.

You love righteousness and you hate evil;
therefore God, your God, chose to deploy​
his poured oil upon you that the rest never knew.
All your robes smell of myrrh, aloes, cassia, too;
from the ivoried palaces, harps bring you joy.

The kings' daughters are there with the others,
among your honored women they stand;
at your right hand is seen no one else but the queen
wearing jewelry from Ophir with sparkling sheen;
for the Ophir-mined gold is the best in the land.

Daughter, listen, pay careful attention:
forget home; let your past be ignored.
For your husband-to-be loves you most tenderly,
(loves your grace and your beauty and delicacy)
when you honor him, bow, because he is your Lord.

And the princess of Tyre will bring presents,
while the wealthiest seek out your face.
The king's daughter, a-bloom sits alone in her room
(to await the arrival of her loving groom)
and her gown is embroidered with gold in the lace.

She'll be led to the King in her raiment,
with her virgin companions as well.
With rejoicing and song they will hurry along,
(oh, what glorious joyous noise made by this throng)
as they enter into the King's palace to dwell.

​​Then your sons will be kings like their fathers;
you'll make princes of sons that you raised.
And I'll make so your name is recalled with your fame,
so that all generations and nations proclaim;
therefore you will forever and ever be praised.