40:1
A hard lot has been created for human beings, a heavy yoke lies on the children of Adam from the day they come out of their mother's womb, till the day they return to the mother of them all.
40:2
What fills them with foreboding and their hearts with fear is dread of the day of death.
40:3
From the one who sits on a glorious throne to the wretch in dust and ashes,
40:4
from the one who wears purple and a crown to the one dressed in sacking, all is fury and jealousy, turmoil and unrest, fear of death, rivalry, strife.
40:5
And even at night while he rests on his bed his sleep only gives a new twist to his worries:
40:6
scarcely has he lain down to rest, when in his sleep, as if in broad daylight, he is troubled with nightmares, like one who has escaped from a battle,
40:7
and at the moment of rescue he wakes up, amazed that there was nothing to be afraid of!
40:8
For all creatures, human and animal -- and seven times more for sinners-
40:9
there is death and blood and strife and the sword, disasters, famine, affliction, plague.
40:10
These things were all created for the wicked, and the Flood came because of them.
40:11
All that comes from the earth returns to the earth, and what comes from the water returns to the sea.
40:12
All bribery and injustice will be blotted out, but good faith will stand for ever.
40:13
Ill-gotten wealth will vanish like a torrent, like the single thunder-clap that heralds rain.
40:14
When he opens his hand, he rejoices, by the same token, sinners come to ruin.
40:15
The sprigs of the godless will not make many branches, tainted roots find only hard rock.
40:16
The reed that grows by every lake and river's edge is the first plant to be uprooted.
40:17
Charity is a very paradise of blessing and almsgiving endures for ever.
40:18
For a person of private means and one who works hard, life is pleasant, better off than either, one who finds a treasure.
40:19
Children and the founding of a city perpetuate a name: more esteemed than either, a perfect wife.
40:20
Wine and music cheer the heart; better than either, the love of wisdom.
40:21
Flute and harp add sweetness to a song; better than either, a melodious voice.
40:22
The eye longs for grace and beauty; better than either, the green of spring corn.
40:23
Friend or comrade -- it is always well met; better than either, a wife and husband.
40:24
Brothers and allies are good in times of trouble; better than either, almsgiving to the rescue.
40:25
Gold and silver will steady your feet; more esteemed than either, good advice.
40:26
Money and strength make a confident heart; better than either, the fear of the Lord. With fear of the Lord, nothing is lacking: no need to seek for other help.
40:27
Fear of the Lord is a paradise of blessing, a better protection than the highest reputation.
40:28
My child, do not live by sponging off others, better be dead than be a sponger.
40:29
A life spent in eyeing someone else's table cannot be accounted a life at all. Other people's food defiles the gullet; a wise, well-brought-up person will beware of doing this.
40:30
What a sponger says may sound very sweet but in his belly there burns a fire.
Previous
Next