Study Desk

May a man be upright before God? or a man be clean before his Maker?

But as for me, I would make my prayer to God, and I would put my cause before him:

Truly, that man is happy who has training from the hand of God: so do not let your heart be shut to the teaching of the Ruler of all.

If only I might have an answer to my prayer, and God would give me my desire!

Does God give wrong decisions? or is the Ruler of all not upright in his judging?

If you will make search for God with care, and put your request before the Ruler of all;

So is the end of all who do not keep God in mind; and the hope of the evil-doer comes to nothing:

Truly, God will not give up him who is without sin, and will not take evil-doers by the hand.

Truly, I see that it is so: and how is it possible for a man to get his right before God?

I will say to God, Do not put me down as a sinner; make clear to me what you have against me.

But if only God would take up the word, opening his lips in argument with you;

It seems that I am to be as one who is a cause of laughing to his neighbour, one who makes his prayer to God and is answered! the upright man who has done no wrong is to be made sport of!

There is wealth in the tents of those who make destruction, and those by whom God is moved to wrath are safe; even those whose god is their strength.

But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God.

Truly, you make the fear of God without effect, so that the time of quiet worship before God is made less by your outcry.

Were you present at the secret meeting of God? and have you taken all wisdom for yourself?

Are the comforts of God not enough for you, and the gentle word which was said to you?

So that you are turning your spirit against God, and letting such words go out of your mouth?

Because his hand is stretched out against God, and his heart is lifted up against the Ruler of all,

God gives me over to the power of sinners, sending me violently into the hands of evil-doers.