Study Desk

Did I ever say, "Bring something to me'? Or, "Offer a bribe for me from your wealth'?

Now therefore, be pleased to look at me; For I would never lie to your face.

"Is there not a time of hard service for man on earth? Are not his days also like the days of a hired man?

Like a servant who earnestly desires the shade, And like a hired man who eagerly looks for his wages,

When I lie down, I say, "When shall I arise, And the night be ended?' For I have had my fill of tossing till dawn.

I loathe my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone, For my days are but a breath.

Why then do You not pardon my transgression, And take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust, And You will seek me diligently, But I will no longer be."

If your sons have sinned against Him, He has cast them away for their transgression.

If you were pure and upright, Surely now He would awake for you, And prosper your rightful dwelling place.

"For inquire, please, of the former age, And consider the things discovered by their fathers;

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

His roots wrap around the rock heap, And look for a place in the stones.

For though I were righteous, I could not answer Him; I would beg mercy of my Judge.

For He crushes me with a tempest, And multiplies my wounds without cause.

"For He is not a man, as I am, That I may answer Him, And that we should go to court together.

That You should seek for my iniquity And search out my sin,

For you have said, "My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.'

That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves.

For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it?

For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey's colt is born a man.