Study Desk

Why were there knees to receive me, or breasts for me to suck?

with kings and counselors of the earth who rebuild ruins for themselves,

who long for death, but it does not come, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures;

For my sighing comes like my bread, and my groanings are poured out like water.

The strong lion perishes for lack of prey, and the whelps of the lioness are scattered.

For misery does not come from the earth, nor does trouble sprout from the ground;

"As for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause.

For he wounds, but he binds up; he strikes, but his hands heal.

For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the wild animals shall be at peace with you.

See, we have searched this out; it is true. Hear, and know it for yourself."

For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash.

For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

This would be my consolation; I would even exult in unrelenting pain; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

Have I said, ‘Make me a gift'? Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me'?

"But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face.

Like a slave who longs for the shadow, and like laborers who look for their wages,

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

Will you not look away from me for a while, let me alone until I swallow my spittle?

Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I shall lie in the earth; you will seek me, but I shall not be."

if you are pure and upright, surely then he will rouse himself for you and restore to you your rightful place.