8. "Please inquire of past generations, And consider the things searched out by their fathers.
9. "For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.
10. "Will they not teach you and tell you, And bring forth words from their minds?
11. "Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the rushes grow without water?
12. "While it is still green and not cut down, Yet it withers before any other plant.
13. "So are the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the godless will perish,