² How long will you utter such things?
    The words from your mouth are a mighty wind!
³ Does God pervert judgment,^(A)
    does the Almighty pervert justice?
⁴ If your children have sinned against him
    and he has left them in the grip of their guilt,
⁵ Still, if you yourself have recourse to God
    and make supplication to the Almighty,
⁶ Should you be blameless and upright,
    surely now he will rouse himself for you
    and restore your rightful home.
⁷ Though your beginning was small,
    your future will flourish indeed.
⁸ Inquire of the former generations,
    pay attention to the experience of their ancestors—^(B)
9 As we are but of yesterday and have no knowledge,
    because our days on earth are but a shadow—^(C)
10 Will they not teach you and tell you
    and utter their words of understanding?
^11 [a]Can the papyrus grow up without mire?
    Can the reed grass flourish without water?
¹² While it is yet green and uncut,
    it withers quicker than any grass.
¹³ So is the end of everyone who forgets God,
    and so shall the hope of the godless perish.
¹⁴ His confidence is but a gossamer thread,
    his trust is a spider’s house.
¹⁵ He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand;
    he shall cling to it, but it shall not endure.
¹⁶ He thrives in full sun,
    and over his garden his shoots go forth;
¹⁷ About a heap of stones his roots are entwined;
    among the rocks he takes hold.
¹⁸ Yet if one tears him from his place,
    it will disown him: “I have never seen you!”
¹⁹ There he lies rotting beside the road,
    and out of the soil another sprouts.
²⁰ Behold, God will not cast away the upright;
    neither will he take the hand of the wicked.
²¹ Once more will he fill your mouth with laughter
    and your lips with rejoicing.
²² Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame,
    and the tent of the wicked shall be no more.