Psalms 107:17-42

¶Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their sins, were afflicted. They detested all kinds of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them from their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And rescued them from their destruction. [2 Kin 20:4, 5; Matt 8:8] Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonderful acts to the children of men! [Heb 13:15] And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And speak of His deeds with shouts of joy! ¶Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters; They have seen the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep. For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, Which lifted up the waves of the sea. They went up toward the heavens [on the crest of the wave], they went down again to the depths [of the watery trough]; Their courage melted away in their misery. They staggered and trembled like a drunken man, And were at their wits’ end [all their wisdom was useless]. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brought them out of their distresses. He hushed the storm to a gentle whisper, So that the waves of the sea were still. [Ps 65:7; 89:9; Matt 8:26] Then they were glad because of the calm, And He guided them to their desired haven (harbor). Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonderful acts to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, And praise Him at the seat of the elders. ¶He turns rivers into a wilderness, And springs of water into a thirsty ground; [1 Kin 17:1, 7] A productive land into a [barren] salt waste, Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it. [Gen 13:10; 14:3; 19:25] He turns a wilderness into a pool of water And a dry land into springs of water; [Is 41:18] And there He has the hungry dwell, So that they may establish an inhabited city, And sow fields and plant vineyards, And produce an abundant harvest. Also He blesses them so that they multiply greatly, And He does not let [the number of] their cattle decrease. ¶When they are diminished and bowed down (humbled) Through oppression, misery, and sorrow, He pours contempt on princes And makes them wander in a pathless wasteland. Yet He sets the needy securely on high, away from affliction, And makes their families like a flock. The upright see it and rejoice; But all unrighteousness shuts its mouth.