17. Do not say: “I am hidden from God;and on high who remembers me?Among so many people I am unknown;what am I in the world of spirits?
18. Look, the heavens and the highest heavens,the abyss and the earth tremble at his visitation.
19. The roots of the mountains and the earth’s foundations—at his mere glance they quiver and quake.
20. Of me, therefore, he will take no notice;with my ways who will be concerned?
21. If I sin, no eye will see me;if all in secret I act deceitfully, who is to know?
22. Who tells him about just deeds?What can I expect for doing my duty?”
23. Such the thoughts of the senseless;only the foolish entertain them.
24. Listen to me, my son, and take my advice,and apply your mind to my words,
25. While I pour out my spirit by measureand impart knowledge with care.
26. When at the first God created his worksand, as he made them, assigned their tasks,
27. He arranged for all time what they were to do,their domains from generation to generation.They were not to go hungry or grow weary,or ever cease from their tasks.
28. Never does a single one crowd its neighbor,or do any ever disobey his word.
29. Then the Lord looked upon the earth,and filled it with his blessings.
30. Its surface he covered with every kind of living creaturewhich must return into it again.