4. Be assured that my words are not false;one who has perfect knowledge is with you.
5. ‘God is mighty, but despises no one;he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.
6. He does not keep the wicked alivebut gives the afflicted their rights.
7. He does not take his eyes off the righteous;he enthrones them with kingsand exalts them for ever.
8. But if people are bound in chains,held fast by cords of affliction,
9. he tells them what they have done –that they have sinned arrogantly.
10. He makes them listen to correctionand commands them to repent of their evil.
11. If they obey and serve him,they will spend the rest of their days in prosperityand their years in contentment.
12. But if they do not listen,they will perish by the swordand die without knowledge.
13. ‘The godless in heart harbour resentment;even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.
14. They die in their youth,among male prostitutes of the shrines.
15. But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;he speaks to them in their affliction.
16. ‘He is wooing you from the jaws of distressto a spacious place free from restriction,to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.
17. But now you are laden with the judgment due to the wicked;judgment and justice have taken hold of you.