The righteous see their destruction and rejoice; the innocent mock them scornfully, saying,

“People listened to me and waited silently; they kept silent for my advice.

with kings and counselors of the earth who built for themselves places now desolate,

The caravans of Tema looked intently for these streams; the traveling merchants of Sheba hoped for them.

If his sons are honored, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he does not see it.

They were saying to God, ‘Turn away from us,’ and ‘What can the Almighty do to us?’

They destroy my path; they succeed in destroying me without anyone assisting them.

when they crouch in their dens, when they wait in ambush in the thicket?

Their young grow strong, and grow up in the open; they go off, and do not return to them.

“Indeed, I am completely unworthy – how could I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth to silence myself.

he lived in ruined towns and in houses where no one lives, where they are ready to crumble into heaps.

In the dark the robber breaks into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they do not know the light.

For all of them, the morning is to them like deep darkness; they are friends with the terrors of darkness.

If his children increase – it is for the sword! His offspring never have enough to eat.