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1. "Call now. Is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?
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1.
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2. To be bitter kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the child-like.
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2.
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3. I have seen the fool taking root, but right away his house was cursed.
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3.
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4. His sons are far from being safe. They are destroyed in the gate, and there is no one to help them.
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4.
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5. The hungry eat the food of his field. They take it even out of the thorns. And the thirsty want his riches.
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5.
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6. For suffering does not come from the dust. Trouble does not grow out of the ground.
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6.
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7. But man is born to trouble, as fire goes up.
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7.
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8. "But as for me, I would look to God. I would put my troubles before God.
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8.
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9. He does great things, too great for us to understand. He does too many wonderful things for us to number.
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9.
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10. He gives rain on the earth and sends water on the fields.
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10.
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11. He puts those who are in low places up to high places. Those who are filled with sorrow are lifted to where they are safe.
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11.
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12. He troubles the plans of those who try to fool people, so that their hands cannot do what they plan.
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12.
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13. God gets them into a trap when they use their own wisdom. And the plans of the wise are brought to a quick end.
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13.
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14. They meet with darkness during the day, and feel their way at noon as in the night.
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14.
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15. But He saves from the sword those in need. He saves the poor from the power of the strong.
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15.
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16. So those who have no hope, have hope, and what is not right and good must shut its mouth.
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16.
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17. "See, happy is the man to whom God speaks strong words. So do not hate the strong teaching of the Allpowerful.
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17.
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18. He punishes, but He gives comfort. He hurts, but His hands heal.
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18.
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19. He will take you out of six troubles. Yes, in seven, nothing will hurt you.
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19.
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20. He will keep you from death in times of no food, and from the power of the sword in war.
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20.
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21. You will be hidden from the punishment of the tongue. You will not be afraid of being destroyed when danger comes.
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21.
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22. You will laugh at danger and times of no food. And you will not be afraid of wild animals.
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22.
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23. For you will be in agreement with the stones of the field. And the animals of the field will be at peace with you.
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23.
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24. You will know that your tent is safe. You will look over what you have and see that nothing is gone.
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24.
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25. You will know also that your children and children's children will be many. They will be as the grass of the earth.
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25.
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26. You will come to the grave in full strength, like the grain gathered in when it is time.
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26.
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27. See, this is what we have found, and it is true. Hear it, and know for yourself."
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27.
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