3. Whether one sits on a lofty throneor grovels in dust and ashes,
4. Whether one wears a splendid crownor is clothed in the coarsest of garments—
5. There is wrath and envy, trouble and dread,terror of death, fury and strife.Even when one lies on his bed to rest,his cares disturb his sleep at night.
6. So short is his rest it seems like none,till in his dreams he struggles as he did by day,Troubled by the visions of his mind,like a fugitive fleeing from the pursuer.
7. As he reaches safety, he wakes up,astonished that there was nothing to fear.
8. To all flesh, human being and beast,but for sinners seven times more,
9. Come plague and bloodshed, fiery heat and drought,plunder and ruin, famine and death.
10. For the wicked evil was created,and because of them destruction hastens.
11. All that is of earth returns to earth,and what is from above returns above.
12. All that comes from bribes or injustice will be wiped out,but loyalty remains forever.
13. Wealth from injustice is like a flooding wadi,like a mighty stream with lightning and thunder,
14. Which, in its rising, rolls along the stones,but suddenly, once and for all, comes to an end.
15. The offshoot of violence will not flourish,for the root of the godless is on sheer rock.
16. They are like reeds on riverbanks,withered before all other plants;
17. But goodness, like eternity, will never be cut off,and righteousness endures forever.
18. Wealth or wages can make life sweet,but better than either, finding a treasure.
19. A child or a city will preserve one’s name,but better than either, finding wisdom.Cattle and orchards make a person flourish;but better than either, a devoted wife.