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The upright saw it and were glad: and those who had done no wrong made sport of them,

Be pleased to take teaching from his mouth, and let his words be stored up in your heart.

How the evil man goes free in the day of trouble, and has salvation in the day of wrath?

Who said to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us?

For it was the man with power who had the land, and the man with an honoured name who was living in it.

Is not God as high as heaven? and see the stars, how high they are!

Is not your evil-doing great? and there is no end to your sins.

Is it possible for a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to himself.

Thick clouds are covering him, so that he is unable to see; and he is walking on the arch of heaven.

Who will make his way clear to his face? and if he has done a thing, who gives him punishment for it?

You do not give water to the tired traveller, and from him who has no food you keep back bread.

Will you keep the old way by which evil men went?

Though he made their houses full of good things: but the purpose of the evil-doers is far from me!

His buckets are full of milk, and there is no loss of strength in his bones.

And another comes to his end with a bitter soul, without ever tasting good.

One comes to his end in complete well-being, full of peace and quiet:

Together they go down to the dust, and are covered by the worm.

For what interest has he in his house after him, when the number of his months is ended?

Is anyone able to give teaching to God? for he is the judge of those who are on high.

How frequently are they as dry stems before the wind, or as grass taken away by the storm-wind?

They send out their young ones like a flock, and their children have pleasure in the dance,

Their children are ever with them, and their offspring before their eyes.

Let his eyes see his trouble, and let him be full of the wrath of the Ruler of all!

Their ox is ready at all times to give seed; their cow gives birth, without dropping her young.

Why is life given to the evil-doers? why do they become old and strong in power?

They make songs to the instruments of music, and are glad at the sound of the pipe.

Truly, is not their well-being in their power? (The purpose of the evil-doers is far from me.)

At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear.

Their houses are free from fear, and the rod of God does not come on them.

You say, God keeps punishment stored up for his children. Let him send it on the man himself, so that he may have the punishment of it!