4. Since your children sinned against Him,He gave them over to their rebellion.
5. But if you earnestly seek Godand ask the Almighty for mercy,
6. if you are pure and upright,then He will move even now on your behalfand restore the home where your righteousness dwells.
7. Then, even if your beginnings were modest,your final days will be full of prosperity.
8. For ask the previous generation,and pay attention to what their fathers discovered,
9. since we were born only yesterday and know nothing.Our days on earth are but a shadow.
10. Will they not teach you and tell youand speak from their understanding?
11. Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh?Do reeds flourish without water?
12. While still uncut shoots,they would dry up quicker than any other plant.
13. Such is the destiny of all who forget God;the hope of the godless will perish.
14. His source of confidence is fragile; what he trusts in is a spider’s web.