“Call now—is there anyone who will answer you?
And to which of the holy ones (angels) will you turn?
“I have seen the foolish taking root [and outwardly prospering],
But I cursed his dwelling immediately [for his destruction was certain].
“The hungry devour his harvest
And take it even [when it grows] among the thorns;
The trap opens for [his] wealth.
“For affliction does not come forth from the dust,
Nor does trouble spring forth from the ground.
“He frustrates the devices and schemes of the crafty,
So that their hands cannot attain success or achieve anything of [lasting] worth.
“He catches the [so-called] wise in their own shrewdness,
And the advice of the devious is quickly thwarted.
“But God saves [the innocent] from the sword of the mouth of the devious,
And the poor from the hand of the mighty.
“Behold, how happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves,
So do not despise or reject the discipline of the Almighty [subjecting you to trial and suffering].
“You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,
And you will not be afraid of destruction when it comes.
“You will laugh at violence and famine,
And you will not be afraid of the wild beasts of the earth.
“For you will be in harmony with the stones of the field,
And the beasts of the field will be at peace with you.
“You will know also that your tent is secure and at peace,
And you will visit your dwelling and fear no loss [nor find anything amiss].
“You will know also that your descendants will be many,
And your offspring as the grass of the earth.
“You will come to your grave in old age,
Like the stacking of grain [on the threshing floor] in its season.
Amplified Bible Copyright (c) 2015 by
The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631 All rights reserved.
For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org.