Study Desk

For God does great deeds beyond investigation, wonders beyond all reckoning.

For he wounds, but he bandages the sore; his hands may strike, but they also heal.

for you will be in league with the stones in the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.

"We've looked into this, and that's how it is; listen, and know that it's for your own good."

For the arrows of Shaddai find their mark in me, and my spirit is drinking in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

"If only I could have my wish granted, and God would give me what I'm hoping for —

Then I would feel consoled; so that even in the face of unending pain, I would be able to rejoice; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

The caravans from Tema look for them, the travelers from Sh'va hope to find them;

"For now, you have become like that — just seeing my calamity makes you afraid.

I suppose you would even throw dice for an orphan or barter away your friend!

like a slave longing for shade, like a worker thinking only of his wages.

I hate it! I won't live forever, so leave me alone, for my life means nothing.

Won't you ever take your eyes off of me, at least long enough for me to swallow my spit?

Why don't you pardon my offense and take away my guilt? For soon I will lie down in the dust; you will seek me, but I will be gone."

"If you will earnestly seek God and plead for Shaddai's favor,

if you are pure and upright; then he will rouse himself for you and fulfill your needs.

for we who were born yesterday know nothing, our days on earth are but a shadow.

[for its destruction will come] like the lush growth of a plant in the sun, its shoots may spread out all over its garden,

Even if I were right, I wouldn't answer; I could only ask for mercy from my judge.

He could break me with a storm; he could multiply my wounds for no reason,