18. How often does he strike themlike a stormthat scatters straw?
19. You say, “God will punishthose sinners' childrenin place of those sinners.”But I say, “Let him punishthose sinners themselvesuntil they really feel it.
20. Let God All-Powerful force themto drink their own destructionfrom the cup of his anger.
21. Because after they are dead,they won't care what happensto their children.”
22. Who can tell God what to do?He judges powerful rulers.
23-24. Some of us die prosperous,enjoying good health,
25. while others die in poverty,having known only pain.
26. But we all end up dead,beneath a blanket of worms.
27. My friends, I know that youare plotting against me.
28. You ask, “Where is the homeof that important personwho does so much evil?”
29. Everyone, near and far, agrees
30. that those who do wrongnever suffer disaster,when God becomes angry.
31. No one points out their sinor punishes them.
32. Then at their funerals,they are highly praised;
33. the earth welcomes them home,while crowds mourn.
34. But empty, meaningless wordsare the comfort you offer me.