4. If your children have sinned against himand he has left them in the grip of their guilt,
5. Still, if you yourself have recourse to Godand make supplication to the Almighty,
6. Should you be blameless and upright,surely now he will rouse himself for youand restore your rightful home.
7. Though your beginning was small,your future will flourish indeed.
8. Inquire of the former generations,pay attention to the experience of their ancestors—
9. As we are but of yesterday and have no knowledge,because our days on earth are but a shadow—
10. Will they not teach you and tell youand utter their words of understanding?
11. Can the papyrus grow up without mire?Can the reed grass flourish without water?
12. While it is yet green and uncut,it withers quicker than any grass.
13. So is the end of everyone who forgets God,and so shall the hope of the godless perish.
14. His confidence is but a gossamer thread,his trust is a spider’s house.
15. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand;he shall cling to it, but it shall not endure.
16. He thrives in full sun,and over his garden his shoots go forth;