Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Ambition » Vanity of
The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say: Where is he? read more.
He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found! The eye that saw him will not see him again. His place (home) will look on him no more.
He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found! The eye that saw him will not see him again. His place (home) will look on him no more.
They are exalted a little while, and then are gone. They wither and fade like everything gathered up. They are cut off like the heads of grain.
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Inwardly they think their houses are forever, their dwelling place to all generations. So they named their lands after themselves. But mortals will not continue here with what they treasure. They are like animals that die. This is the final outcome for fools and their followers who are delighted by what they say: read more.
Like sheep, they are laid in the grave. Death will shepherd them. The upright will rule them in the morning. Their forms will decay in the grave, far away from their comfortable homes. But God will redeem me (buy me back) from the power of the grave because he will receive me. Do not be afraid when someone becomes rich, when the greatness of his house increases. He will not take anything with him when he dies. Even his greatness cannot follow him. Even though he blesses himself while he is alive. (People will praise you when you do well for yourself.) He must join the generation of his ancestors who will never see light again. Mortals, with what they treasure, still do not have understanding. They are like animals that die.
Like sheep, they are laid in the grave. Death will shepherd them. The upright will rule them in the morning. Their forms will decay in the grave, far away from their comfortable homes. But God will redeem me (buy me back) from the power of the grave because he will receive me. Do not be afraid when someone becomes rich, when the greatness of his house increases. He will not take anything with him when he dies. Even his greatness cannot follow him. Even though he blesses himself while he is alive. (People will praise you when you do well for yourself.) He must join the generation of his ancestors who will never see light again. Mortals, with what they treasure, still do not have understanding. They are like animals that die.
Dreams » Illustrative of » Prosperity of sinners
The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say: Where is he? read more.
He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found!
He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found!
How are they destroyed, suddenly! They are utterly consumed with terrors. It is like waking up from a dream, O Jehovah. When you awake you will despise everything they represent.
Earthly » Joy joy » Joy, earthly
Even in laughter the heart has pain; and joy may end in grief.
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The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold joy from my heart. My heart took pleasure in all my work and this was my reward.
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For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
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Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards. No one sings or shouts in the vineyards! No one treads out wine at the presses, for I have put an end to the shouting.
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Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
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Happiness » Of the wicked » Is short
The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Happiness of the The Wicked » Is short
The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Happiness/joy » The joy of the hypocrite
ZOPHAR THE NAAMATHITE SPEAKS: My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer for I am greatly disturbed. I hear a rebuke that dishonors me. Therefore my understanding inspires me to reply. read more.
Do you not know from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth? The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
Do you not know from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth? The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
Hypocrites » Joy of, but for a moment
The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Joy » Earthly » General references to
Even in laughter the heart has pain; and joy may end in grief.
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The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold joy from my heart. My heart took pleasure in all my work and this was my reward.
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For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
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Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards. No one sings or shouts in the vineyards! No one treads out wine at the presses, for I have put an end to the shouting.
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Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
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Joy » Of the wicked
Even in laughter the heart has pain; and joy may end in grief.
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The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold joy from my heart. My heart took pleasure in all my work and this was my reward.
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For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
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Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards. No one sings or shouts in the vineyards! No one treads out wine at the presses, for I have put an end to the shouting.
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Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
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Folly is joy to the destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
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If a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness for they will be many. All that comes is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth. Let your heart cheer you in your early days. Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the desires of your eyes. Yet you know that God will bring you into judgment for all these things.
Joy » Of the wicked » Is short-lived
The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
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Oppression » Those that oppress the poor
He who gets ahead by oppressing the poor and giving to the rich will certainly suffer loss.
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He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker. He who honors his Maker has mercy for the poor.
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ZOPHAR THE NAAMATHITE SPEAKS: My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer for I am greatly disturbed. I hear a rebuke that dishonors me. Therefore my understanding inspires me to reply. read more.
Do you not know from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth? The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say: Where is he? He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found! The eye that saw him will not see him again. His place (home) will look on him no more. His children must make amends to the poor. He must give back his wealth. The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust. Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue, though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of serpents within him. He will spit out the riches he swallowed. God will make his stomach vomit them up. He will suck the poison of serpents. The fangs of an adder (cobra) will kill him. He will not look upon the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. What he toiled for he must give back uneaten. He will not enjoy the profit from his trading. For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor and left them destitute. He has violently seized houses he did not build.
Do you not know from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth? The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say: Where is he? He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found! The eye that saw him will not see him again. His place (home) will look on him no more. His children must make amends to the poor. He must give back his wealth. The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust. Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue, though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of serpents within him. He will spit out the riches he swallowed. God will make his stomach vomit them up. He will suck the poison of serpents. The fangs of an adder (cobra) will kill him. He will not look upon the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. What he toiled for he must give back uneaten. He will not enjoy the profit from his trading. For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor and left them destitute. He has violently seized houses he did not build.
A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food.
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Sinners » Disowned » Joy of, brief
Even in laughter the heart has pain; and joy may end in grief.
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The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold joy from my heart. My heart took pleasure in all my work and this was my reward.
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For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
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Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards. No one sings or shouts in the vineyards! No one treads out wine at the presses, for I have put an end to the shouting.
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Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
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Victory/overcoming » The triumphing of the wicked
ZOPHAR THE NAAMATHITE SPEAKS: My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer for I am greatly disturbed. I hear a rebuke that dishonors me. Therefore my understanding inspires me to reply. read more.
Do you not know from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth? The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
Do you not know from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth? The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
Wicked people » Prosperity of
([Psalm of David]) Do not be bothered by evildoers. Do not envy those who do wicked things.
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The tents of marauders prosper and those who provoke God are secure in what God's hand brings them.
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Terrifying sounds fill his ears. When all seems well, marauders attack him.
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The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
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Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and he lives a long life, yet I know that it will be well with those who respect (reverence) God and worship him. Things will not go well with the wicked. He will not prolong his days. His days are like a shadow. He does not respect God.
I have seen a wicked, violent man spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil. Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more. I searched for him, but he could not be found.
We call arrogant people happy. Evil people test God's patience with their wicked deeds. They not only get away with it, they also prosper.
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Why do you make me see wickedness and immorality? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife exists and contention arises. The law is paralyzed and justice is never delivered. The wicked surround the righteous and deliver perverted justice.
I have seen a stubborn fool take root and I quickly cursed his house. His children are far from help. They are crushed at the court of justice at the city gate. No one is there to rescue them. Hungry people eat what a stubborn fool gathers. They take it even from among the thorns. Thirsty people pant after his wealth.
He wanders about as food for vultures and he knows the day of darkness is at hand.
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His face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with flesh.
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He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land.
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Distress will overtake him in the midst of his plenty. The full force of misery will come upon him.
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Why do the wicked live on, reach old age, and become mighty in power? Their children are established in their presence, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe and without fear, and no rod of God is upon them. read more.
Their bull breeds without fail and their cow calves and never miscarries. They send out their little ones like a flock, and their children dance around. They sing to the tambourine and the lyre, and rejoice to the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to the grave.
Their bull breeds without fail and their cow calves and never miscarries. They send out their little ones like a flock, and their children dance around. They sing to the tambourine and the lyre, and rejoice to the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to the grave.
One can see that wise people die, that foolish and stupid people meet the same end. They leave their wealth to others. Inwardly they think their houses are forever, their dwelling place to all generations. So they named their lands after themselves. But mortals will not continue here with what they treasure. They are like animals that die. read more.
This is the final outcome for fools and their followers who are delighted by what they say: Like sheep, they are laid in the grave. Death will shepherd them. The upright will rule them in the morning. Their forms will decay in the grave, far away from their comfortable homes. But God will redeem me (buy me back) from the power of the grave because he will receive me.
This is the final outcome for fools and their followers who are delighted by what they say: Like sheep, they are laid in the grave. Death will shepherd them. The upright will rule them in the morning. Their forms will decay in the grave, far away from their comfortable homes. But God will redeem me (buy me back) from the power of the grave because he will receive me.
I was envious of arrogant people when I saw the peace and prosperity that wicked people enjoy. They suffer no pain. Their bodies are healthy. They have no drudgery in their lives like ordinary people. They are not plagued with problems like mankind. read more.
That is why arrogance is their necklace and violence covers them like clothing. Their eyes stand out with fatness, and their heart's imagination run wild. They ridicule. They speak maliciously. They speak arrogantly about oppression. They set their mouth in the heavens and their tongue parades through the earth. Therefore his people return here and here they drink waters of abundance. They ask: How does God know? And is there knowledge with the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly. They prosper in the world; they increase in wealth. I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. I have been plagued all day long, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; then, I would offend the generation of your children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me. I understood their end when I went into the sanctuary of God. Surely you set them in slippery places. You threw them down into destruction. How are they destroyed, suddenly! They are utterly consumed with terrors. It is like waking up from a dream, O Jehovah. When you awake you will despise everything they represent. My heart was grieved and I was pierced within. I was so foolish and ignorant: I was like a beast before you.
That is why arrogance is their necklace and violence covers them like clothing. Their eyes stand out with fatness, and their heart's imagination run wild. They ridicule. They speak maliciously. They speak arrogantly about oppression. They set their mouth in the heavens and their tongue parades through the earth. Therefore his people return here and here they drink waters of abundance. They ask: How does God know? And is there knowledge with the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly. They prosper in the world; they increase in wealth. I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. I have been plagued all day long, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; then, I would offend the generation of your children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me. I understood their end when I went into the sanctuary of God. Surely you set them in slippery places. You threw them down into destruction. How are they destroyed, suddenly! They are utterly consumed with terrors. It is like waking up from a dream, O Jehovah. When you awake you will despise everything they represent. My heart was grieved and I was pierced within. I was so foolish and ignorant: I was like a beast before you.
A stupid (senseless) person cannot know and a fool cannot understand. Wicked people sprout like grass and all troublemakers flourish. Yet they will be destroyed forever.
Jehovah, if I argued my case with you, you would prove to be right. Indeed, I must question you about matters of justice. Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why do dishonest people succeed with impunity? You plant them, and they take root. They grow and bear fruit. You are near their lips, but far from their mind.
Your eyes are too pure to look at evil. You cannot look at perversity. Why do you look at treacherous persons and not act? Why do you keep quiet when the wicked destroy the man who is more righteous? Why do you make men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler over them? He brings them all up with the hook. He gathers them away in his net. He gladly gathers them and rejoices. read more.
He offers sacrifices and burns incense to his fishing net. For it is through this their catch is great and the food is plentiful. Will they keep on emptying their nets and keep on destroying nations without mercy?
He offers sacrifices and burns incense to his fishing net. For it is through this their catch is great and the food is plentiful. Will they keep on emptying their nets and keep on destroying nations without mercy?
Wicked people » Temporal punishment of
The lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. The flame of his fire shall not shine. The light in his tent becomes dark. The lamp beside him will be put out. The vigor of his step is weakened. His own schemes will bring his downfall. read more.
His feet cast him into a net and he wanders into its mesh. A trap seizes him by the heel and a snare holds him fast. A noose is hidden for him on the ground and a trap lies in his path. Terrors startle him on every side and chase him at his heels. Calamity hungers for him and disaster catch him when he falls. It eats away parts of his skin. Death's firstborn devours his limbs. He is torn from the security of his tent and marched off to the king of terrors. Fire resides in his tent; burning sulfur is scattered over his dwelling. His roots dry up below and his branches wither above. The memory of him perishes from the earth. He has no name in the street. He is driven from light into darkness and is banished from the world. He has no offspring or descendants among his people, no survivor where once he lived. Men of the west are appalled at him. Men of the east are seized with horror. This is the dwelling of an evil man! This is the place of one who does not know God!
His feet cast him into a net and he wanders into its mesh. A trap seizes him by the heel and a snare holds him fast. A noose is hidden for him on the ground and a trap lies in his path. Terrors startle him on every side and chase him at his heels. Calamity hungers for him and disaster catch him when he falls. It eats away parts of his skin. Death's firstborn devours his limbs. He is torn from the security of his tent and marched off to the king of terrors. Fire resides in his tent; burning sulfur is scattered over his dwelling. His roots dry up below and his branches wither above. The memory of him perishes from the earth. He has no name in the street. He is driven from light into darkness and is banished from the world. He has no offspring or descendants among his people, no survivor where once he lived. Men of the west are appalled at him. Men of the east are seized with horror. This is the dwelling of an evil man! This is the place of one who does not know God!
Your wickedness has turned these things away. Your sins have kept good things away from you.
Verse Concepts
Here is the fate God accords the wicked. This is the heritage a ruthless man receives from the Almighty: No mater how many his children, their fate is the sword. His offspring will never have enough to eat. The plague will bury those who survive him. Their widows will not weep for them. read more.
Though he heaps up silver like dust and clothes like piles of clay, what he lays up the righteous will wear, and the innocent will divide his silver. The house he builds is like a moth's cocoon, like a hut made by a watchman. He lies down wealthy and wakes up and all is gone. Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest snatches him away in the night. The east wind carries him off. He is gone and it sweeps him out of his place. It hurls itself against him without mercy as he flees headlong from its power. Men will clap their hands in derision (ridicule) and hiss him out of his place.
Though he heaps up silver like dust and clothes like piles of clay, what he lays up the righteous will wear, and the innocent will divide his silver. The house he builds is like a moth's cocoon, like a hut made by a watchman. He lies down wealthy and wakes up and all is gone. Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest snatches him away in the night. The east wind carries him off. He is gone and it sweeps him out of his place. It hurls itself against him without mercy as he flees headlong from its power. Men will clap their hands in derision (ridicule) and hiss him out of his place.
All his days the wicked man suffers torment and the ruthless through all the years stored up for him. Terrifying sounds fill his ears. When all seems well, marauders attack him. He despairs of escaping the darkness; he is marked for the sword. read more.
He wanders about as food for vultures and he knows the day of darkness is at hand. Distress and anguish fill him with terror. They overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack. He shakes his fist at God and vaunts (brags) (shows off) himself against the Almighty, He defiantly charges against him with a thick, strong shield. His face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with flesh. He will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one lives, houses crumbling to rubble. He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God's mouth will carry him away. Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless. He will get nothing in return. Before his time he will be paid in full, and his branches will not flourish. He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. The company of the godless will be barren. And fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil. Their womb fashions deceit.
He wanders about as food for vultures and he knows the day of darkness is at hand. Distress and anguish fill him with terror. They overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack. He shakes his fist at God and vaunts (brags) (shows off) himself against the Almighty, He defiantly charges against him with a thick, strong shield. His face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with flesh. He will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one lives, houses crumbling to rubble. He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God's mouth will carry him away. Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless. He will get nothing in return. Before his time he will be paid in full, and his branches will not flourish. He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. The company of the godless will be barren. And fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil. Their womb fashions deceit.
The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say: Where is he? read more.
He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found! The eye that saw him will not see him again. His place (home) will look on him no more. His children must make amends to the poor. He must give back his wealth. The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust. Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue, though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of serpents within him. He will spit out the riches he swallowed. God will make his stomach vomit them up. He will suck the poison of serpents. The fangs of an adder (cobra) will kill him. He will not look upon the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. What he toiled for he must give back uneaten. He will not enjoy the profit from his trading. For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor and left them destitute. He has violently seized houses he did not build. He will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure. There is nothing left for him to devour; his prosperity will not endure. Distress will overtake him in the midst of his plenty. The full force of misery will come upon him. With his belly full, God will vent his burning anger against him and rain down his blows upon him. Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow pierces him. He pulls it out of his back, the gleaming point out of his liver. Terrors will come over him. Total darkness lies in wait for his treasures. A fire will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. The heavens will expose his guilt. The earth will rise up against him! A flood will carry off his house. Rushing waters will wash away his possessions on the day of God's wrath. This is the fate God allots the wicked, the heritage appointed for them by God.
He flies away like a dream banished like a vision of the night. He cannot be found! The eye that saw him will not see him again. His place (home) will look on him no more. His children must make amends to the poor. He must give back his wealth. The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust. Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue, though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of serpents within him. He will spit out the riches he swallowed. God will make his stomach vomit them up. He will suck the poison of serpents. The fangs of an adder (cobra) will kill him. He will not look upon the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. What he toiled for he must give back uneaten. He will not enjoy the profit from his trading. For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor and left them destitute. He has violently seized houses he did not build. He will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure. There is nothing left for him to devour; his prosperity will not endure. Distress will overtake him in the midst of his plenty. The full force of misery will come upon him. With his belly full, God will vent his burning anger against him and rain down his blows upon him. Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow pierces him. He pulls it out of his back, the gleaming point out of his liver. Terrors will come over him. Total darkness lies in wait for his treasures. A fire will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. The heavens will expose his guilt. The earth will rise up against him! A flood will carry off his house. Rushing waters will wash away his possessions on the day of God's wrath. This is the fate God allots the wicked, the heritage appointed for them by God.
Why do the wicked live on, reach old age, and become mighty in power? Their children are established in their presence, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe and without fear, and no rod of God is upon them. read more.
Their bull breeds without fail and their cow calves and never miscarries. They send out their little ones like a flock, and their children dance around. They sing to the tambourine and the lyre, and rejoice to the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to the grave. They say to God: 'Leave us alone! We do not desire to know your ways.' Who is the Almighty that we should serve him? And what do we gain if we pray to him? Is their prosperity indeed their own achievement? The plans of the wicked are repugnant to me. How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does calamity come upon them? How often does God distribute pains and sorrow in his anger? How often are they like straw before the wind, and like chaff that the storm carries away? You say: 'God stores up their iniquity for their children.' Let God repay them so they may know. Let their own eyes see their destruction, and let them drink of the wrath of the Almighty. For what do they care for their household after them, when the number of their months is cut off in death? Will any teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those that are on high? One dies in full prosperity, being wholly at ease and secure. His loins are full of milk and the marrow of his bones is moist. Another dies an angry being, never having tasted of good. They lie down alike in the dust, and the worms cover them. Oh, I know your thoughts, and your schemes to wrong me. For you say: 'Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?' Have you not asked those who travel the roads, and do you not accept their testimony. They say the wicked are spared in the day of calamity, and are rescued in the day of wrath? Who declares their way to their face, and who repays them for what they have done? When they are carried to the grave, a watch is kept over their tomb. The clods of the valley are sweet to them; everyone will follow after, and those who went before are innumerable.
Their bull breeds without fail and their cow calves and never miscarries. They send out their little ones like a flock, and their children dance around. They sing to the tambourine and the lyre, and rejoice to the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to the grave. They say to God: 'Leave us alone! We do not desire to know your ways.' Who is the Almighty that we should serve him? And what do we gain if we pray to him? Is their prosperity indeed their own achievement? The plans of the wicked are repugnant to me. How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does calamity come upon them? How often does God distribute pains and sorrow in his anger? How often are they like straw before the wind, and like chaff that the storm carries away? You say: 'God stores up their iniquity for their children.' Let God repay them so they may know. Let their own eyes see their destruction, and let them drink of the wrath of the Almighty. For what do they care for their household after them, when the number of their months is cut off in death? Will any teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those that are on high? One dies in full prosperity, being wholly at ease and secure. His loins are full of milk and the marrow of his bones is moist. Another dies an angry being, never having tasted of good. They lie down alike in the dust, and the worms cover them. Oh, I know your thoughts, and your schemes to wrong me. For you say: 'Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?' Have you not asked those who travel the roads, and do you not accept their testimony. They say the wicked are spared in the day of calamity, and are rescued in the day of wrath? Who declares their way to their face, and who repays them for what they have done? When they are carried to the grave, a watch is kept over their tomb. The clods of the valley are sweet to them; everyone will follow after, and those who went before are innumerable.
The wicked remove landmarks. They seize flocks and pasture them. They drive away the donkey of the orphan. They take the widow's ox for a pledge. They force the needy to yield the road. The poor of the earth all hide themselves. read more.
Like wild donkeys in the desert they go out to their toil. They search in the wasteland food for their young. They reap in a field not their own and they glean in the vineyard of the wicked. They lie all night naked, without clothing, and have no covering in the cold. They are wet with the rain of the mountains. They cling to the rock in search of shelter. There are those who snatch the orphan child from the breast. They take as a pledge the infant of the poor. The needy go about naked, without clothing; though hungry, they carry the sheaves. Between their terraces they press out oil. They tread the wine presses, but suffer thirst. The dying groan from the city. The throat of the wounded cries for help. Yet God pays no attention to their prayer. There are those who rebel against the light. They are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths. The murderer rises at dusk to kill the poor and needy, and in the night is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight. He says: 'No eye will see me.' Then he disguises his face. In the dark they dig through houses. By day they shut themselves up. They do not know the light. For deep darkness is morning to all of them. They are friends with the terrors of deep darkness. Swift are they on the face of the waters. Their portion in the land is cursed! No treader turns toward their vineyards. Drought and heat snatch away the snow waters! In the same way the grave takes those who have sinned. The womb forgets them. The worm finds them sweet. They are no longer remembered. Wickedness is broken like a tree. They harm the childless woman, and do no good to the widow. Yet God prolongs the life of the mighty by his power and they rise up when they despair of life. He gives them security and they are supported. His eyes are upon their ways. They are exalted a little while, and then are gone. They wither and fade like everything gathered up. They are cut off like the heads of grain.
Like wild donkeys in the desert they go out to their toil. They search in the wasteland food for their young. They reap in a field not their own and they glean in the vineyard of the wicked. They lie all night naked, without clothing, and have no covering in the cold. They are wet with the rain of the mountains. They cling to the rock in search of shelter. There are those who snatch the orphan child from the breast. They take as a pledge the infant of the poor. The needy go about naked, without clothing; though hungry, they carry the sheaves. Between their terraces they press out oil. They tread the wine presses, but suffer thirst. The dying groan from the city. The throat of the wounded cries for help. Yet God pays no attention to their prayer. There are those who rebel against the light. They are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths. The murderer rises at dusk to kill the poor and needy, and in the night is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight. He says: 'No eye will see me.' Then he disguises his face. In the dark they dig through houses. By day they shut themselves up. They do not know the light. For deep darkness is morning to all of them. They are friends with the terrors of deep darkness. Swift are they on the face of the waters. Their portion in the land is cursed! No treader turns toward their vineyards. Drought and heat snatch away the snow waters! In the same way the grave takes those who have sinned. The womb forgets them. The worm finds them sweet. They are no longer remembered. Wickedness is broken like a tree. They harm the childless woman, and do no good to the widow. Yet God prolongs the life of the mighty by his power and they rise up when they despair of life. He gives them security and they are supported. His eyes are upon their ways. They are exalted a little while, and then are gone. They wither and fade like everything gathered up. They are cut off like the heads of grain.
You will be killed in battle in your own country. I will judge you on the border of Israel. Then everyone will know that I am Jehovah.
Verse Concepts
Then say to the people of the land: 'The Lord Jehovah says concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the land of Israel, They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water with horror, because their land will be stripped of its fullness on account of the violence of all who live in it. The inhabited cities will be laid waste and the land will be a desolation. So you will know that I am Jehovah.'
There will be no rain on those who do not go to Jerusalem to worship the King, Jehovah of Hosts. If the family of Egypt does not go it will not be upon them. There will be the plague and Jehovah will strike the nations that do not go to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that do not keep the Feast of Tabernacles.