Study Desk

He takes the poison of snakes into his mouth, the tongue of the snake is the cause of his death.

He is forced to give back the fruit of his work, and may not take it for food; he has no joy in the profit of his trading.

There is no peace for him in his wealth, and no salvation for him in those things in which he took delight.

He had never enough for his desire; for this cause his well-being will quickly come to an end.

Even when his wealth is great, he is full of care, for the hand of everyone who is in trouble is turned against him.

God gives him his desire, and sends the heat of his wrath on him, making it come down on him like rain.

He is pulling it out, and it comes out of his back; and its shining point comes out of his side; he is overcome by fears.

All his wealth is stored up for the dark: a fire not made by man sends destruction on him, and on everything in his tent.

The heavens make clear his sin, and the earth gives witness against him.

The produce of his house is taken away into another country, like things given into the hands of others in the day of wrath.

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?

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!

Let his eyes see his trouble, and let him be full of the wrath of the Ruler of all!

For what interest has he in his house after him, when the number of his months is ended?

One comes to his end in complete well-being, full of peace and quiet:

His buckets are full of milk, and there is no loss of strength in his bones.

And another comes to his end with a bitter soul, without ever tasting good.

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

He is taken to his last resting-place, and keeps watch over it.

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