2. Anger kills foolish people. Jealousy destroys those who are childish.
3. I saw that foolish people were having success. But suddenly a curse came down on their houses.
4. Their children aren't safe at all. They lose their case in court. No one speaks up for them.
5. Hungry people eat up the crops of those who are foolish. They even take the food that grows among thorns. Thirsty people long for the wealth of the foolish.
6. Hard times don't just grow out of the soil. Trouble doesn't jump out of the ground.
7. People are born to have trouble. And that's just as sure as sparks fly up.
8. "If I were you, I'd make my appeal to God. I'd bring my case to be judged by him.
9. He does wonderful things that can't be understood. He does miracles that can't even be counted.
10. He sends rain on the earth. He sends water on the countryside.
11. He lifts up those who are lowly in spirit. He lifts up those who are sad. He keeps them safe.
12. He stops those who are tricky from doing what they plan to do. The work of their hands doesn't succeed.
13. Some people think they are so wise. But God catches them in their own tricks. He sweeps away the evil plans of sinful people.
14. Darkness covers them in the daytime. At noon they feel their way around as if it were night.
15. God saves needy people from the cutting words of their enemies. He saves them from their powerful hands.
16. So those who are poor have hope. And God shuts the mouths of people who don't treat others fairly.