Study Desk

"He wanders about for food, saying, 'Where is it?' He knows that the day of darkness and destruction is already at hand.

"Distress and anxiety terrify him, They overpower him like a king ready for battle.

For he has covered his face with his fat, Adding layers of fat to his thighs [giving himself up to pleasures],

"Let him not trust in vanity (emptiness, futility) and be led astray; For emptiness will be his reward [for such living].

"For the company of the godless is barren, And fire consumes the tents of bribery (wrong and injustice).

"O earth, do not cover my blood, And let there be no [resting] place for my cry [where it will cease being heard].

"Even now, behold, my Witness is in heaven, And my Advocate [who vouches and testifies for me] is on high.

"Oh, that a man would mediate and plead with God [for me] Just as a man [mediates and pleads] with his neighbor and friend.

"For when a few years are past, I shall go the way of no return.

"My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, The grave is ready for me.

"Give me a pledge (guarantee, promise) with Yourself [acknowledge my innocence before my death]; Who is there that will be my guarantor and give security for me?

"He who denounces and informs against his friends for a share of the spoil, The eyes of his children will also languish and fail.

"But as for all of you, come back again, Even though I do not find a wise man among you.

"How long will you hunt for words and continue these speeches? Do some clear thinking and show understanding and then we can talk.

"You who tear yourself apart in anger, Is the earth to be abandoned for your sake, Or the rock to be moved out of its place?

"For the wicked is thrown into a net by his own feet (wickedness), And he steps on the webbing [of the lattice-covered pit].

"A noose is hidden for him on the ground, And a trap for him on the path.

"He is torn from his tent which he trusted [for safety], And he is marched and brought to the king of terrors (death).

"Behold, I cry out, 'Violence!' but I am not heard; I shout for help, but there is no justice.

"Have pity on me! Have pity on me, O you my friends, For the hand of God has touched me.