12 Some of them he blessed and lifted up,and some he made holyand brought them near to himself;some of them he cursed, brought low,and expelled them from their place.
13 Like clay in the potter’s hand,shaped according to thepotter’s pleasure,so are human beingsin the hand of the onewho made them,whom he repays accordingto his judgment.
14 Good is the opposite of evil,and life is the opposite of death;so the sinner is the oppositeof the godly.
15 Observe, then,all the works of the Most High,two by two, one opposite the other.
16 I was the last to keep vigil,as one who gathered the leftoversafter the grape pickers.
17 By the blessing of the Lord,I was first on the scene,and like the grape pickers,I filled up a wine vat.
18 Understand that I haven’t laboredfor myself alone,but for all those who are seeking instruction.