8
Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where thou hast scattered us, for a reproach and a curse, and to be subject to payments, according to all the iniquities of our fathers, which departed from the Lord our God.
9
Hear, Israel, the commandments of life: give ear to understand wisdom.
10
How happeneth it Israel, that thou art in thine enemies' land, that thou art waxen old in a strange country, that thou art defiled with the dead,
11
That thou art counted with them that go down into the grave?
12
Thou hast forsaken the fountain of wisdom.
13
For if thou hadst walked in the way of God, thou shouldest have dwelled in peace for ever.
14
Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is understanding; that thou mayest know also where is length of days, and life, where is the light of the eyes, and peace.
15
Who hath found out her place? or who hath come into her treasures?
16
Where are the princes of the heathen become, and such as ruled the beasts upon the earth;
17
They that had their pastime with the fowls of the air, and they that hoarded up silver and gold, wherein men trust, and made no end of their getting?
18
For they that wrought in silver, and were so careful, and whose works are unsearchable,