Study Desk

But when I looked for good, evil came; and when I waited for light, there came darkness.

For what portion would I have then from God who is above, and what heritage from the Almighty who is on high?

For it is destruction to the wicked, and punishment to the workers of iniquity.

Then let my wife grind for another, and let her bake bread at another mans place,

For this is a heinous crime; yea, such an eye devises a crafty scheme.

For passion is a fire that consumes to destruction, and it would root out all my increase.

(For, behold, he who made me in the womb made him, and he created us in the same womb);

If I have seen anyone perishing for want of clothing, or any poor without covering

For the fear of God made me to tremble, and affliction from him came upon me, and because of terror I was unable to rise up.

(But I have neither suffered my mouth to sin, nor has my soul wished for any of these things;

For I said, Days should speak, and the multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Behold, I kept silent while you spoke; I gave ear until you made an end of speaking, while you searched for words.

For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.

For I do not know what shame is; else would my Almighty One soon take me away.

For I am also like you before God; I also am formed out of clay.

For God speaks once; he does not speak a second time;

And he shall pray to God, and he will hear him and be pleased with him, and God shall appear before him with glory; for he will render to men his righteousness.

If you have anything to say, answer me; for I desire that you may be justified.

For the ear tries words, and the palate tastes food.

Let us choose for us a judge; let him know among ourselves what is good.