Nor is this the only instance of affinity with the wisdom of the scribes. Two other compositions—Psalms. 49 and 78—are presented as proverbial discourse and riddle and deal, in different ways, with the mystery of evil and its consequences. Among psalms composed in the acrostic form—discussed briefly in the previous chapter—we also find this contrast between religious observance and impiety (e.g. Ps. 119). The frequent prayer for vengeance on the wicked, unpalatable as it may be to modern sensitivities,