1 “ Call now. Is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

2 T o be bitter kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the child-like.

3 I have seen the fool taking root, but right away his house was cursed.

4 H is sons are far from being safe. They are destroyed in the gate, and there is no one to help them.

5 T he hungry eat the food of his field. They take it even out of the thorns. And the thirsty want his riches.

6 F or suffering does not come from the dust. Trouble does not grow out of the ground.

7 B ut man is born to trouble, as fire goes up.

8 “ But as for me, I would look to God. I would put my troubles before God.

9 H e does great things, too great for us to understand. He does too many wonderful things for us to number.

10 H e gives rain on the earth and sends water on the fields.

11 H e puts those who are in low places up to high places. Those who are filled with sorrow are lifted to where they are safe.

12 H e troubles the plans of those who try to fool people, so that their hands cannot do what they plan.

13 G od gets them into a trap when they use their own wisdom. And the plans of the wise are brought to a quick end.

14 T hey meet with darkness during the day, and feel their way at noon as in the night.

15 B ut He saves from the sword those in need. He saves the poor from the power of the strong.

16 S o those who have no hope, have hope, and what is not right and good must shut its mouth.

17 “ See, happy is the man to whom God speaks strong words. So do not hate the strong teaching of the All-powerful.

18 H e punishes, but He gives comfort. He hurts, but His hands heal.

19 H e will take you out of six troubles. Yes, in seven, nothing will hurt you.

20 H e will keep you from death in times of no food, and from the power of the sword in war.

21 Y ou will be hidden from the punishment of the tongue. You will not be afraid of being destroyed when danger comes.

22 Y ou will laugh at danger and times of no food. And you will not be afraid of wild animals.

23 F or you will be in agreement with the stones of the field. And the animals of the field will be at peace with you.

24 Y ou will know that your tent is safe. You will look over what you have and see that nothing is gone.

25 Y ou will know also that your children and children’s children will be many. They will be as the grass of the earth.

26 Y ou will come to the grave in full strength, like the grain gathered in when it is time.

27 S ee, this is what we have found, and it is true. Hear it, and know for yourself.”