12. Or as, when an arrow has been shot at a mark,the parted air straightway flows together againso that none discerns the way it went—
13. Even so, once born, we abruptly came to noughtand held no sign of virtue to display,but were consumed in our wickedness.”
14. Yes, the hope of the wicked is like chaff borne by the wind,and like fine, storm-driven snow;Like smoke scattered by the wind,and like the passing memory of the nomad camping for a single day.
15. But the righteous live forever,and in the Lord is their recompense,and the thought of them is with the Most High.
16. Therefore shall they receive the splendid crown,the beautiful diadem, from the hand of the Lord,For he will shelter them with his right hand,and protect them with his arm.
17. He shall take his zeal for armorand arm creation to requite the enemy,
18. Shall put on righteousness for a breastplate,wear sure judgment for a helmet,
19. Shall take invincible holiness for a shield,
20. and sharpen his sudden anger for a sword.The universe will war with him against the foolhardy;
21. Well-aimed bolts of lightning will go forthand from the clouds will leap to the mark as from a well-drawn bow;
22. and as from a sling, wrathful hailstones shall be hurled.The waters of the sea will be enragedand flooding rivers will overwhelm them;
23. A mighty wind will confront themand winnow them like a tempest;Thus lawlessness will lay waste the whole earthand evildoing overturn the thrones of the mighty.