^8 (A)Look for a moment at ancient wisdom;
    consider the truths our ancestors learned.
⁹ Our life is short, we know nothing at all;
    we pass like shadows across the earth.
¹⁰ But let the ancient wise people teach you;
    listen to what they had to say:

¹¹ “Reeds can't grow where there is no water;
    they are never found outside a swamp.
¹² If the water dries up, they are the first to wither,
    while still too small to be cut and used.
¹³ Godless people are like those reeds;
    their hope is gone, once God is forgotten.
¹⁴ They trust a thread—a spider's web.
¹⁵     If they lean on a web, will it hold them up?
    If they grab for a thread, will it help them stand?”

¹⁶ Evil people sprout like weeds in the sun,
    like weeds that spread all through the garden.
¹⁷ Their roots wrap around the stones
    and hold fast to^[a] every rock.
¹⁸ But then pull them up—
    no one will ever know they were there.
¹⁹ Yes, that's all the joy evil people have;
    others now come and take their places.

²⁰ But God will never abandon the faithful
    or ever give help to evil people.
²¹ He will let you laugh and shout again,
²²     but he will bring disgrace on those who hate you,
    and the homes of the wicked will vanish.