Study Desk

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

"For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers have searched out.

For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow.

Though I am in the right, I cannot answer him; I must appeal for mercy to my accuser.

For he crushes me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause;

I become afraid of all my suffering, for I know you will not hold me innocent.

For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together.

Then I would speak without fear of him, for I am not so in myself.

that you seek out my iniquity and search for my sin,

If I am guilty, woe to me! If I am in the right, I cannot lift up my head, for I am filled with disgrace and look on my affliction.

For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God's eyes.'

and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.

For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?

In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; it is ready for those whose feet slip.

As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all.

Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him?

Will you show partiality toward him? Will you plead the case for God?

Who is there who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.

For you write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.

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