1 Hear this, all ye people, hear,
earth’s inhabitants give ear;
all of high and low degree,
rich and poor, give heed to me.

2 Truth with all my heart I seek,
and my mouth shall wisdom speak;
hearken while in lyric strain
I make hidden wisdom plain.

3 Why should I to fear give way
when I see the evil day,
when with wickedness my foes
shall surround me and oppose?

4 They that trust in treasured gold,
tho' they boast of wealth untold,
none can bid his brother live,
none to God a ransom give.

5 O'er them soon shall rule the just,
all their beauty turn to dust;
God my waiting soul shall save,
He will raise me from the grave.