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Chapter 7

More than One Righteous Person among the People

How great is my misery!
    I have become like one who,
when the summer fruit has been gathered
    and the vines have been gleaned,
finds not a single cluster of grapes to eat,
    nor any of those early figs for which I long.
The faithful have vanished from the land;
    there is no honest person to be found.
They all lie in wait to shed blood;
    each one hunts his brother with a net.
Their hands are skilled in performing evil deeds;
    the ruler demands gifts,
the judge asks for a bribe,
    the powerful man follows his own desires.
The best of them is like a briar,
    the most upright like a thorn hedge.
The day of their punishment now approaches;
    now they will be seized by confusion.
Put no trust in a friend:
    have no confidence in a loved one.
Guard the portals of your mouth
    against her who lies in your embrace.
For a son maligns his father,
    a daughter rebels against her mother,
a daughter-in-law rises up against her mother-in-law;
    your enemies are to be found in your own household.
But as for me, I will look to the Lord.
    I place my hope in God my savior;
    my God will hear me.

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