Sothat godlessmenwould not ruleNorbe snaresof the people.
But they did not listen,and Manassehseducedthem to doevilmorethanthe nationswhomthe LORDdestroyedbeforethe sonsof Israel.
That the triumphingof the wickedis short,And the joyof the godlessmomentary?
"Shall one who hatesjusticerule?And will you condemnthe righteousmightyOne,
"For His eyesare upon the waysof a man,And He seesallhis steps.
When He keepsquiet,whothen can condemn?And when He hidesHis face,whothen can beholdHim, That is, in regardto bothnationand man?--
"For has anyone saidto God,'I have borne[chastisement]; I will not offend[anymore];
"But He savesfrom the swordof their mouth,And the poorfrom the handof the mighty.
The wickedstrutabout on everysideWhen vilenessis exaltedamong the sonsof men.
Wisdomis betterthanweaponsof war,but onesinnerdestroysmuchgood.
I gaveyou a kingin My angerAnd tookhim away in My wrath.
Ephraimis oppressed,crushedin judgment,Becausehe was determinedto follow[man's] command.
"The statutesof OmriAnd allthe worksof the houseof Ahabare observed;And in their devicesyou walk.ThereforeI will giveyou up for destructionAnd your inhabitantsfor derision,And you will bearthe reproachof My people."
