33
He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground,
34
a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
35
He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.
36
And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;
37
they sow fields, and plant vineyards, and get a fruitful yield.
38
By his blessing they multiply greatly; and he does not let their cattle decrease.
39
When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, trouble, and sorrow,
40
he pours contempt upon princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes;
41
but he raises up the needy out of affliction, and makes their families like flocks.
42
The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth.
43
Whoever is wise, let him give heed to these things; let men consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Revised Standard Version)