2“How long will you say these things, And the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?
3Does God pervert justice? Or does [68]the Almighty pervert what is right?
4If your sons sinned against Him, Then He turned them over to the [69]power of their wrongdoing.
5If you will search for God And implore the compassion of [70]the Almighty,
6If you are pure and upright, Surely now He will stir Himself for you And restore your righteous [71]estate.
7Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly.
8“Please inquire of past generations, And consider the things searched out by their fathers.
9For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.
10Will they not teach you and tell you, And bring forth words from their minds?
11“Can papyrus grow tall without a marsh? Can the rushes grow without water?
12While it is still green and not cut down, Yet it withers before any other [72]plant.
13So are the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the godless will perish,
14His confidence is fragile, And his trust is a spider’s [73]web.
15He depends on his house, but it does not stand; He holds on to it, but it does not endure.
16He flourishes before the sun, And his shoots spread out over his garden.
17His roots wrap around a rock pile, He [74]grasps a house of stones.
18If he is [75]removed from his place, Then it will deny him, saying, ‘I never saw you.’
19Behold, this is the joy of His way; And out of the dust others will spring.
20Behold, God will not reject a person of integrity, Nor will He [76]help evildoers.
21He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, And your lips with joyful shouting.
22Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, And the tent of the wicked will no longer exist.”