[1] "They cry for help but no one listens; they turn to their gods, but none gives them aid. [2] They die in helpless frustration, overcome by their own anger. [3] Those who turn from God may be successful for the moment, but then comes sudden disaster. [4] Their children are cheated, with no one to defend them. [5] Their harvests are stolen, and their wealth slakes the thirst of many others, not themselves! [6] Misery comes upon them to punish them for sowing seeds of sin. [7] Mankind heads for sin and misery as predictably as flames shoot upwards from a fire. [8] "My advice to you is this: Go to God and confess your sins to him. [9] For he does wonderful miracles, marvels without number. [10] He sends the rain upon the earth to water the fields, [11] and gives prosperity to the poor and humble, and takes sufferers to safety. [12] "He frustrates the plans of crafty men. [13] They are caught in their own traps; he thwarts their schemes. [14] They grope like blind men in the daylight; they see no better in the daytime than at night. [15] "God saves the fatherless and the poor from the grasp of these oppressors. [16] And so at last the poor have hope, and the fangs of the wicked are broken. [17] "How enviable the man whom God corrects! Oh, do not despise the chastening of the Lord when you sin. [18] For though he wounds, he binds and heals again. [19] He will deliver you again and again so that no evil can touch you. [20] "He will keep you from death in famine and from the power of the sword in time of war. [21] "You will be safe from slander; no need to fear the future. [22] "You shall laugh at war and famine; wild animals will leave you alone. [23] Dangerous animals will be at peace with you. [24] "You need not worry about your home while you are gone; nothing shall be stolen from your barns. [25] "Your sons shall become important men; your descendants shall be as numerous as grass! [26] You shall live a long, good life; like standing grain, you'll not be harvested until it's time! [27] I have found from experience that all of this is true. For your own good, listen to my counsel."
