Why are nations in tumult, and countries plotting in vain?

Surely a man walks about as a [mere] {shadow}; surely in vain they bustle about. He heaps up [possessions] but does not know who [will] gather them [in].

Do not trust in extortion, and do not put vain [confidence] in robbery. If wealth increases, do not set [your] heart [on it].

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure, and washed my hands in innocence.

Unless Yahweh builds a house, its builders labor at it in vain. Unless Yahweh guards a city, a guard watches in vain.

[It is] in vain for you who rise early [and] sit late, eating the bread of anxious toil, [when] thus he provides for his beloved in [his] sleep.

who speak against you deceitfully. Your enemies take [your name] in vain.