“‘By the strength of my hand^(A) I have done this,^(B)
    and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.
I removed the boundaries of nations,
    I plundered their treasures;^(C)
    like a mighty one I subdued^[a] their kings.^(D)
14 As one reaches into a nest,^(E)
    so my hand reached for the wealth^(F) of the nations;
as people gather abandoned eggs,
    so I gathered all the countries;^(G)
not one flapped a wing,
    or opened its mouth to chirp.^(H)’”

¹⁵ Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it,
    or the saw boast against the one who uses it?^(I)
As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up,
    or a club^(J) brandish the one who is not wood!
¹⁶ Therefore, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
    will send a wasting disease^(K) upon his sturdy warriors;^(L)
under his pomp^(M) a fire^(N) will be kindled
    like a blazing flame.

⁵ They crush your people,^(A) Lord;
    they oppress your inheritance.^(B)
6 They slay the widow^(C) and the foreigner;
    they murder the fatherless.^(D)
7 They say, “The Lord does not see;^(E)
    the God of Jacob^(F) takes no notice.”

⁸ Take notice, you senseless ones^(G) among the people;
    you fools, when will you become wise?
⁹ Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
    Does he who formed the eye not see?^(H)
10 Does he who disciplines^(I) nations not punish?
    Does he who teaches^(J) mankind lack knowledge?
¹¹ The Lord knows all human plans;^(K)
    he knows that they are futile.^(L)

¹² Blessed is the one you discipline,^(M) Lord,
    the one you teach^(N) from your law;
¹³ you grant them relief from days of trouble,^(O)
    till a pit^(P) is dug for the wicked.
¹⁴ For the Lord will not reject his people;^(Q)
    he will never forsake his inheritance.
¹⁵ Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,^(R)
    and all the upright in heart^(S) will follow it.