Study Desk

Truly there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is washed out.

As for the earth, bread comes out of it; but under its face it is turned up as if by fire.

Gold may not be given for it, or a weight of silver in payment for it.

Gold and glass are not equal to it in price, and it may not be exchanged for jewels of the best gold.

For it is kept secret from the eyes of all living, unseen by the birds of the air.

For his eyes go to the ends of the earth, and he sees everything under heaven.

When he made a weight for the wind, measuring out the waters;

When he made a law for the rain, and a way for the thunder-flames;

When my steps were washed with milk, and rivers of oil were flowing out of the rock for me.

For when it came to their ears, men said that I was truly happy; and when their eyes saw, they gave witness to me;

For I was a saviour to the poor when he was crying for help, to the child with no father, and to him who had no supporter.

Men gave ear to me, waiting and keeping quiet for my suggestions.

They were waiting for me as for the rain, opening their mouths wide as for the spring rains.

I took my place as a chief, guiding them on their way, and I was as a king among his army. Three dots are used where it is no longer possible to be certain of the true sense of the Hebrew words, and for this reason no attempt has been made to put them into Basic English.

They are wasted for need of food, biting the dry earth; their only hope of life is in the waste land.

For he has made loose the cord of my bow, and put me to shame; he has sent down my flag to the earth before me.

For I am certain that you will send me back to death, and to the meeting-place ordered for all living.

Have I not been weeping for the crushed? and was not my soul sad for him who was in need?

For I was looking for good, and evil came; I was waiting for light, and it became dark.

I go about in dark clothing, uncomforted; I get up in the public place, crying out for help.