5. “God is powerful, but he does not hate people.He is powerful and sure of what he wants to do.
6. God will not keep evil people alive.But he gives troubled people their rights.
7. God does not stop watching over those who do right.He sets them on thrones with kings.And he lifts them up on high forever.
8. People may be bound in chains.Or trouble may tie them up like ropes around them.
9. But then God tells them what they have done.He tells them they have sinned by being too proud.
10. God makes them listen to his warning.He commands them to change from doing evil.
11. If they obey and serve him,the rest of their lives will be successful.And the rest of their years will be happy.
12. But if they do not listen,they will die by the sword.And they will die without knowing better.
13. “People who have wicked hearts hold on to anger.Even when God ties them down with trouble, they do not cry for help.
14. They die while they are still young.They die among the male prostitutes at the places of worship.
15. But God will save suffering people by their suffering.He gets them to listen through their pain.
16. “God is gently calling you from the jaws of trouble.He is calling you to an open place of freedom.There he has set your table full of the best food.
17. But now you are given the punishment evil people should have.Now you are being punished.
18. Be careful! Don’t be led away from God by riches.Don’t let a promise of much money turn you away.