Study Desk

because I helped the poor man when he cried for help and the child without parents who had no one to help him.

Good came to me from the man who was dying. And I made the heart of the woman whose husband had died sing for joy.

They waited for me as for rain. And they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.

I decided the way for them and sat as their leader. I lived as a king among his army, and like one who gives comfort to those in sorrow.

Because God has made the string of my bow loose and has troubled me, they have thrown off their respect for me.

They break up my path. They make trouble for me, and no one stops them.

I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer me. I stand up, and You turn away from me.

You work against me. With the power of Your hand you make it hard for me.

For I know that You will bring me to death, to the place for all the living.

"Yet does not one in a destroyed place put out his hand, and in his trouble cry out for help?

Have I not cried for the one whose life is hard? Was not my soul filled with sorrow for the poor?

When I expected good, then trouble came. When I waited for light, darkness came.

I go about full of sorrow without comfort. I stand up where the people are gathered and cry out for help.

may my wife grind grain for another. And let others bow down upon her.

For that would be a very sinful thing to do. It would be a sin that would be punished by the judges.

For that would be a fire that burns at the Place That Destroys. It would dig out all I have planted.

if he has not thanked me for the clothing on his body, and been made warm with the wool of my sheep,

For trouble sent by God fills me with fear. Because of His great power I could not do these things.

The stranger has not stayed in the street, for I have opened my doors to the traveler.

For sure I would carry it on my shoulder. I would tie it around my head like a crown.