[1] Are you finally through with your windy speech? [3] God never twists justice; he never fails to do what is right. [4] Your children must have sinned against God, and so he punished them as they deserved. [5] But turn now and plead with Almighty God; [6] if you are so honest and pure, then God will come and help you and restore your household as your reward. [7] All the wealth you lost will be nothing compared with what God will give you then. [8] Look for a moment at ancient wisdom; consider the truths our ancestors learned. [9] Our life is short, we know nothing at all; we pass like shadows across the earth. [10] But let the ancient wise people teach you; listen to what they had to say: [11] "Reeds can't grow where there is no water; they are never found outside a swamp. [12] If the water dries up, they are the first to wither, while still too small to be cut and used. [13] Godless people are like those reeds; their hope is gone, once God is forgotten. [14] They trust a thread-a spider's web. [15] If they lean on a web, will it hold them up? If they grab for a thread, will it help them stand?" [16] Evil people sprout like weeds in the sun, like weeds that spread all through the garden. [17] Their roots wrap around the stones and hold fast to every rock. [18] But then pull them up- no one will ever know they were there. [19] Yes, that's all the joy evil people have; others now come and take their places. [20] But God will never abandon the faithful or ever give help to evil people. [21] He will let you laugh and shout again, [22] but he will bring disgrace on those who hate you, and the homes of the wicked will vanish.
