14. Why should a mortal be considered faultlessor someone born of a woman be considered righteous?
15. If God doesn’t trust his holy ones,and the heavens are not pure in his sight,
16. how much less will he trust the one who is disgusting and corrupt,the one who drinks wickedness like water.
17. “I’ll tell you; listen to me!I’ll relate what I have seen.
18. I’ll tell you what wise people have declaredand what was not kept secret from their ancestors.
19. (The land was given to them alone,and no stranger passed through their land.)
20. “The wicked person is tortured all his days.Only a few years are reserved for the ruthless person.
21. Terrifying sounds are in his ears.While he enjoys peace, the destroyer comes to him.
22. He doesn’t believe he’ll return from the dark.He is destined ⌊to be killed⌋ with a sword.
23. He wanders around for food and asks, ‘Where is it?’He knows that his ruin is close at hand.