Study Desk

But if you would earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy,

For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.

His roots wrap around the rock heap; he looks for a home among the stones.

For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy.

For He would crush me with a tempest and multiply my wounds without cause.

Though I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.

For He is not a man like me, that I can answer Him, that we can take each other to court.

and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.

As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,

For you will forget your misery, recalling it only as waters gone by.

But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; they will hope for their last breath."

If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!

Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?

Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.

For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth.

You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet.

For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail.

If only You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger passes. If only You would appoint a time for me and then remember me.

For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin.

He feels only the pain of his own body and mourns only for himself."