^{17 Ref} How frequently is the light of the evil-doers put out, or does trouble come on them? how frequently does his wrath take them with cords?

^{18 Ref} How frequently are they as dry stems before the wind, or as grass taken away by the storm-wind?

^{19 Ref} You say, God keeps punishment stored up for his children. Let him send it on the man himself, so that he may have the punishment of it!

^{20 Ref} Let his eyes see his trouble, and let him be full of the wrath of the Ruler of all!

^{21 Ref} For what interest has he in his house after him, when the number of his months is ended?

^{22 Ref} Is anyone able to give teaching to God? for he is the judge of those who are on high.

^{23 Ref} One comes to his end in complete well-being, full of peace and quiet:

^{24 Ref} His buckets are full of milk, and there is no loss of strength in his bones.

^{25 Ref} And another comes to his end with a bitter soul, without ever tasting good.

^{26 Ref} Together they go down to the dust, and are covered by the worm.

^{27 Ref} See, I am conscious of your thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me;

^{28 Ref} For you say, Where is the house of the ruler, and where is the tent of the evil-doer?

^{29 Ref} Have you not put the question to the travellers, and do you not take note of their experience?

^{30 Ref} How the evil man goes free in the day of trouble, and has salvation in the day of wrath?

^{31 Ref} Who will make his way clear to his face? and if he has done a thing, who gives him punishment for it?

^{32 Ref} He is taken to his last resting-place, and keeps watch over it.

^{33 Ref} The earth of the valley covering his bones is sweet to him, and all men come after him, as there were unnumbered before him.

^{34 Ref} Why then do you give me comfort with words in which there is no profit, when you see that there is nothing in your answers but deceit?