Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/653

 Their graves shall be their homes for ever, their dwelling places from generation to generation, * though they call the lands after their own names.

Even though honored, they cannot live for ever; * they are like the beasts that perish.

Such is the way of those who foolishly trust in themselves, * and the end of those who delight in their own words.

Like a flock of sheep they are destined to die; Death is their shepherd; * they go down straightway to the grave.

Their form shall waste away, * and the land of the dead shall be their home.

But God will ransom my life; * he will snatch me from the grasp of death.

Do not be envious when some become rich, * or when the grandeur of their house increases;

For they will carry nothing away at their death, * nor will their grandeur follow them.

Though they thought highly of themselves while they lived, * and were praised for their success,

They shall join the company of their forebears, * who will never see the light again.

Those who are honored, but have no understanding, * are like the beasts that perish.