[17] “Listen to me and I will explain to you; let me tell you what I have seen, [18] what the wise have declared, hiding nothing received from their ancestors [19] (to whom alone the land was given when no foreigners moved among them): [20] All his days the wicked man suffers torment, the ruthless man through all the years stored up for him. [21] Terrifying sounds fill his ears; when all seems well, marauders attack him. [22] He despairs of escaping the realm of darkness; he is marked for the sword. [23] He wanders about for food like a vulture; he knows the day of darkness is at hand. [24] Distress and anguish fill him with terror; troubles overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack, [25] because he shakes his fist at God and vaunts himself against the Almighty, [26] defiantly charging against him with a thick, strong shield. [27] “Though his face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with flesh, [28] he will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one lives, houses crumbling to rubble. [29] He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. [30] He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. [31] Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return. [32] Before his time he will wither, and his branches will not flourish. [33] He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. [34] For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes. [35] They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb fashions deceit.”
