²⁶ Many seek the favor of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.^(A)

⁶ Many seek the favor of the generous,
    and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.^(A)

²¹ The human mind may devise many plans,
    but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.^(A)

³⁵ All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
    and he does what he wills with the host of heaven
    and the inhabitants of the earth.
There is no one who can stay his hand
    or say to him, “What have you done?”^(A)

⁴ But I said, “I have labored in vain;
    I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord
    and my reward with my God.”^(A)

⁹     remember the former things of old,
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is no one like me,^(A)
10 declaring the outcome from the beginning
    and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, “My purpose shall stand,
    and I will fulfill my intention,”^(B)
11 calling a bird of prey from the east,
    the man for my purpose from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
    I have planned, and I will do it.^(C)

⁷ When the ways of people please the Lord,
    he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.^(A)