16 Do not be afraid when a person gets rich,

when the wealth* of his house increases.y

17 For when he dies, he will take nothing at all;

his wealth will not follow him down.z

18 Though he blesses himself during his lifetime—

and you are acclaimed when you do well for yourselfaa—

19 he will go to the generation of his ancestors;

they will never see the light.ab

20 Mankind, with his assets

but without understanding,

is like the animals that perish.ac