“Because the hope of the ungodly is

Like thistledown

Carried by the wind.

The hope of the ungodly is

Like a light frost

Driven away by a storm.

It is dispersed

Like smoke before the wind.

It passes

Like the remembrance of a guest

Who stays but a day.”

Here we have a description of the hope of the ungodly (ἐλπὶς ἀσεβοῦς) that is like chaff or thistle carried away by the wind. It is like a light frost driven away by a storm. It is like smoke before the winds come. It is like a visitor who only stays one day. Here today, gone tomorrow, such is the hope of the ungodly.