7
And for this cause Thou hast put Thy fear in our hearts, with the intent that we should call upon Thy name and praise Thee in our captivity; for we have called to mind all the iniquity of our forefathers, who sinned before Thee.
8
Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where Thou hast scattered us, as a reproach and a curse and to be subject to payments, according to all the iniquities of our fathers who 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 waxed 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 treasuries?
16
Where are the princes of the heathen come, 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?