10
Why is it, O Israel, why is it that you are in the land of your enemies, that you are growing old in a foreign country, that you are defiled with the dead,
11
that you are counted among those in Hades?
12
You have forsaken the fountain of wisdom.
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If you had walked in the way of God, you would be dwelling in peace for ever.
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Learn where there is wisdom, where there is strength, where there is understanding, that you may at the same time discern where there is length of days, and life, where there is light for the eyes, and peace.
15
Who has found her place? And who has entered her storehouses?
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Where are the princes of the nations, and those who rule over the beasts on earth;
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those who have sport with the birds of the air, and who hoard up silver and gold, in which men trust, and there is no end to their getting;
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those who scheme to get silver, and are anxious, whose labors are beyond measure?
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They have vanished and gone down to Hades, and others have arisen in their place.
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Young men have seen the light of day, and have dwelt upon the earth; but they have not learned the way to knowledge, nor understood her paths, nor laid hold of her.