20 The wicked man writhes with pain all his days,
^aAnd the number of years is hidden from the oppressor. ‡

21 ¹Dreadful sounds are in his ears;
^aIn prosperity the destroyer comes upon him. ‡

22 He does not believe that he will ^areturn from darkness,
For a sword is waiting for him. ‡

23 He ^awanders about for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?’
He knows ^bthat a day of darkness is ready at his hand. ‡

24 Trouble and anguish make him afraid;
They overpower him, like a king ready for¹ battle. ‡

25 For he stretches out his hand against God,
And acts defiantly against the Almighty,

26 Running stubbornly against Him
With his strong, embossed shield.

27 “Though^a he has covered his face with his fatness,
And made his waist heavy with fat, ‡

28 He dwells in desolate cities,
In houses which no one inhabits,
Which are destined to become ruins.

29 He will not be rich,
Nor will his wealth ^acontinue,
Nor will his possessions overspread the earth. ‡

30 He will not depart from darkness;
The flame will dry out his branches,
And ^aby the breath of His mouth he will go away. ‡

31 Let him not ^atrust in futile things, deceiving himself,
For futility will be his reward. ‡

32 It will be accomplished ^abefore his time,
And his branch will not be green. ‡

33 He will shake off his unripe grape like a vine,
And cast off his blossom like an olive tree.

34 For the company of hypocrites will be barren,
And fire will consume the tents of bribery.

35 ^aThey conceive trouble and bring forth futility;
Their womb prepares deceit.” ‡