Study Desk

"Here is what God has planned for evil people, and what the Almighty will give to cruel people:

Then they will die of disease and be buried, and the widows will not even cry for them.

The wicked are rich when they go to bed, but they are rich for the last time; when they open their eyes, everything is gone.

Miners bring lights and search deep into the mines for ore in thick darkness.

They search for places where rivers begin and bring things hidden out into the light.

when he made rules for the rain and set a path for a thunderstorm to follow,

"How I wish for the months that have passed and the days when God watched over me.

I wish for the days when I was strong, when God's close friendship blessed my house.

It was as if my path were covered with cream and the rocks poured out olive oil for me.

I was eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.

"I thought, ‘I will live for as many days as there are grains of sand, and I will die in my own house.

"People listened to me carefully and waited quietly for my advice.

They waited for me as they would for rain and drank in my words like spring rain.

I chose the way for them and was their leader. I lived like a king among his army, like a person who comforts sad people.

What use did I have for their strength since they had lost their strength to work?

On my right side they rise up like a mob. They lay traps for my feet and prepare to attack me.

"Surely no one would hurt those who are ruined when they cry for help in their time of trouble.

I cried for those who were in trouble; I have been very sad for poor people.

But when I hoped for good, only evil came to me; when I looked for light, darkness came.

I have turned black, but not by the sun. I stand up in public and cry for help.