17
"How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does their destruction come upon them, The sorrows God distributes in His anger?
18
They are like straw before the wind, And like chaff that a storm carries away.
19
They say, 'God lays up one's iniquity for his children'; Let Him recompense him, that he may know it.
20
Let his eyes see his destruction, And let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21
For what does he care about his household after him, When the number of his months is cut in half?
22
"Can anyone teach God knowledge, Since He judges those on high?
23
One dies in his full strength, Being wholly at ease and secure;
24
His pails are full of milk, And the marrow of his bones is moist.
25
Another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, Never having eaten with pleasure.
26
They lie down alike in the dust, And worms cover them.
27
"Look, I know your thoughts, And the schemes with which you would wrong me.
28
For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince? And where is the tent, The dwelling place of the wicked?'
29
Have you not asked those who travel the road? And do you not know their signs?
30
For the wicked are reserved for the day of doom; They shall be brought out on the day of wrath.
31
Who condemns his way to his face? And who repays him for what he has done?
32
Yet he shall be brought to the grave, And a vigil kept over the tomb.
33
The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him; Everyone shall follow him, As countless have gone before him.
34
How then can you comfort me with empty words, Since falsehood remains in your answers?"