^{17 Ref} How oft is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out? That their calamity cometh upon them? That `God' distributeth sorrows in his anger?

^{18 Ref} That they are as stubble before the wind, And as chaff that the storm carrieth away?

^{19 Ref} `Ye say', God layeth up his iniquity for his children. Let him recompense it unto himself, that he may know it:

^{20 Ref} Let his own eyes see his destruction, And let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

^{21 Ref} For what careth he for his house after him, When the number of his months is cut off?

^{22 Ref} Shall any teach God knowledge, Seeing he judgeth those that are high?

^{23 Ref} One dieth in his full strength, Being wholly at ease and quiet:

^{24 Ref} His pails are full of milk, And the marrow of his bones is moistened.

^{25 Ref} And another dieth in bitterness of soul, And never tasteth of good.

^{26 Ref} They lie down alike in the dust, And the worm covereth them.

^{27 Ref} Behold, I know your thoughts, And the devices wherewith ye would wrong me.

^{28 Ref} For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? And where is the tent wherein the wicked dwelt?

^{29 Ref} Have ye not asked wayfaring men? And do ye not know their evidences,

^{30 Ref} That the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity? That they are led forth to the day of wrath?

^{31 Ref} Who shall declare his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he hath done?

^{32 Ref} Yet shall he be borne to the grave, And men shall keep watch over the tomb.

^{33 Ref} The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, And all men shall draw after him, As there were innumerable before him.

^{34 Ref} How then comfort ye me in vain, Seeing in your answers there remaineth `only' falsehood?