16. Look, isn’t their well-being the work of their own hands?A sinner’s logic is beyond me.
17. How often does the lamp of the wicked flickeror disaster come upon them,with its fury inflicting pain on them?
18. Let them be like straw in the wind,like dry grass stolen by a storm.
19. God stores up his punishment for his children.Let him destroy them so they know.
20. Let their own eyes witness their doom.Let them drink from the Almighty’s wrath.
21. What do they care about their household after they die,when their numbered days are cut off?
22. Will they instruct God—he who judges the most powerful?
23. Someone dies in wonderful health,completely comfortable and well,
24. their buckets full of milk,their bones marrow-filled and sound.
25. Another dies in bitter spirit,never having tasted the good things.
26. They lie together in the dustand worms cover them.
27. Look, I know your thoughts;your plans harm me.
28. You say, "Where is the official’s house?Where is the tent, the dwelling of the wicked?"
29. Haven’t you asked travelersor paid attention to their reports?
30. On the day of disaster the wicked are spared;on the day of fury they are rescued.
31. Who can criticize their behavior to their faces;they act, and who can avenge them?
32. They are carried to their graves;someone keeps guard over their tombs.
33. The soil near the desert streambed is sweet to them;everyone marches after them—those before them, beyond counting.
34. How empty is your comfort to me;only deceit remains in your responses.