> [!Scripture] > **7 "Why do the wicked still live, Continue on, also become very powerful? > 8 "Their descendants are established with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes, > 9 Their houses are safe from fear, And the rod of God is not on them. > 10 "His ox mates without fail; His cow calves and does not abort. > 11 "They send forth their little ones like the flock, And their children skip about. > 12 "They sing to the timbrel and harp And rejoice at the sound of the flute. > 13 "They spend their days in prosperity, And suddenly they go down to Sheol. > 14 "They say to God, 'Depart from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways. > 15 'Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, And what would we gain if we entreat Him?' > 16 "Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand; The counsel of the wicked is far from me.**