Study Desk

For your iniquity teaches your mouth, And you choose the language of the crafty.

Are the consolations of God too small for you, Even the word that is gentle toward you?

The wicked man travails with pain all his days, Even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.

He doesn't believe that he shall return out of darkness, He is waited for by the sword.

He wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?' He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; For emptiness shall be his reward.

For the company of the godless shall be barren, And fire shall consume the tents of bribery.

I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target.

Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.

For when a few years are come, I shall go the way from whence I shall not return.

"My spirit is consumed, my days are extinct, And the grave is ready for me.

"Now give a pledge, be collateral for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?

For you have hidden their heart from understanding, Therefore shall you not exalt them.

He who denounces his friends for a prey, Even the eyes of his children shall fail.

But as for you all, come on now again; I shall not find a wise man among you.

If I look for She'ol as my house, If I have spread my couch in the darkness,

Where then is my hope? As for my hope, who shall see it?

"How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and afterwards we will speak.

You who tear yourself in your anger, Shall the eretz be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed out of its place?

For he is cast into a net by his own feet, And he wanders into its mesh.