A fruitful land maketh he barren, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. Again, he maketh the wilderness a standing water, and water- springs of a dry ground.
And there he setteth the hungry, that they may build them a city to dwell in, that they may sow their land, and plant vineyards, to yield them fruits of increase. He blesseth them, so that they multiply exceedingly, and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. And again, when they are minished and brought low through oppression, through any plague or trouble, though he suffer them to be evil entreated through tyrants, and let them wander out of the way in the wilderness, yet helpeth he the poor out of misery, and maketh him households like a flock of sheep.
The righteous will consider this, and rejoice; and the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped.
Whoso is
wise will ponder these things;
and they shall understand the
loving-kindness of the Lord.