[33] He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, [34] and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. [35] He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; [36] there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. [37] They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; [38] he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. [39] Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; [40] he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. [41] But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. [42] The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. [43] Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.
