3-4. all of us from the king on his splendid throne wearing royal robes and a crown, to the humblest person dressed in sacking and living in poverty.
5. All through our lives we meet anger, jealousy, and trouble. Things disturb us; we live with furious conflicts and with the fear of death. Even when we go to bed, we think up new troubles in our sleep.
6. We get little rest, if any at all. When we sleep, it is as if we were awake, disturbed by our imaginations. If we dream that we are running from an enemy,
7. just as we are about to be caught, we wake up and are relieved to find there is nothing to be afraid of.
8. These are what all creatures, both human and animal, must face (but it is seven times worse for sinners):
9. death, violence, conflict, murder, disaster, famine, sickness, epidemic.
10. All these things were created because of the wicked; they are the ones who have caused destruction.
11. Everything that comes from the earth goes back to the earth, just as all water flows into the sea.
12. Nothing that comes from bribery or injustice will last, but the effects of loyalty will remain for ever.
13. Wealth that has been obtained dishonestly is like a stream that runs full during a thunderstorm,
14. tumbling rocks along as it flows, but then suddenly goes dry.
15. The children of ungodly people will not leave large families; they are like plants trying to take root on rock,
16. like reeds along a river bank, withering before any other plant.