Chapter 5

Who will listen to thy plaint against God? Wilt thou turn to one of his angels for redress?

Impatience is a great murderer of fools; in their simpleness of heart, they repine at the injury, to their ruin.

Never yet did I see a fool secure in his possessions but I prophesied disaster, there and then, for his fair prospects.

And still would I see his children bereft of hope, ground down by false judgement, and none to bring redress;

his harvest a prey for hungry neighbours, himself for the armed robber, his wealth drunk up by thirsty mouths.

Never was ill without a cause; never did mischief spring up self-sown.

Man’s bent is for mischief, as sure as birds will fly.

Wiser counsels for me; to the Lord himself my plaint shall be made, of God himself I will seek audience.

His magnificent counsels none may fathom, none reckon up his marvellous deeds.

His to grant the parched earth rain, watering the countryside;

his to exalt men of low esteem, to comfort the mourner with new hope.

Through him the crafty schemer is baulked of his aims;

cunning overreaches itself, and knavish plots are scattered to the winds;

wise fools, that blink in daylight, and grope their way blindly at full noon!

So, from their slander and their violence, he rescues the poor and the unbefriended;

now, misery, take heart, let malice stand dumb with confusion!

Happy the man, whom God chastens for his faults! The correction he sends thee never, on thy life, refuse.

Wounds he, it is but to heal; the same hand, which smote, shall medicine thee.

So in six perils thou shalt go unharmed, and find yet one deliverance more;

hunger shall not starve thee, sword wound thee,

slander find thee out, havoc reach thee;

rapine and dearth thou shalt defy. And besides all this, ravening beasts shall not daunt thee;

friendly soil for thee are the desert rocks, and the wild things are in league with thee;

secure thou shalt keep thy tent, or visit thy fair lands, and nought shall go amiss.

Be sure that thy posterity will increase; like the green grass thy race shall flourish;

and when go to the grave thou must, it shall be with strength undiminished, like ripe corn at harvest-home.

Here are thoughts tested and found true; well for thee if thou wilt heed them, and ponder them in thy heart.