The Fleeting Hope of the Wicked

Job 8:11-19

'Can papyrus grow except in a marsh? Can swamp grass flourish without water?

While still green, before being cut down, it dries up faster than any other plant.

Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of a hypocrite will perish -

his confidence is mere gossamer, his trust a spider's web.

He can lean on his house, but it won't stand; he can hold on to it, but it won't last;

[for its destruction will come] like the lush growth of a plant in the sun, its shoots may spread out all over its garden,

but meanwhile its roots cause the stone house to collapse, as it seizes hold of the rocks;

someone who tears it away from its place denies he has ever seen it.

Yes, this is the "joy" of the way [of the godless], and out of the dust will spring up others [like him].'