[1] "Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn? [2] Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple. [3] I have seen the fool taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling. [4] His children are far from safety; they are crushed in the gate, and there is no one to deliver them. [5] The hungry eat his harvest, and he takes it even out of thorns, and the thirsty pant after his wealth. [6] For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble sprout from the ground, [7] but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. [8] "As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, [9] who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: [10] he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; [11] he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. [12] He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. [13] He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end. [14] They meet with darkness in the daytime and grope at noonday as in the night. [15] But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth and from the hand of the mighty. [16] So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth. [17] "Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. [18] For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal. [19] He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch you. [20] In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. [21] You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. [22] At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the beasts of the earth. [23] For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. [24] You shall know that your tent is at peace, and you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing. [25] You shall know also that your offspring shall be many, and your descendants as the grass of the earth. [26] You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, like a sheaf gathered up in its season. [27] Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good."
