Study Desk

that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!

Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right?

If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty for mercy,

Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish.

"Behold, God will not reject a blameless man, nor take the hand of evildoers.

"Truly I know that it is so: But how can a man be in the right before God?

"God will not turn back his anger; beneath him bowed the helpers of Rahab.

I will say to God, Do not condemn me; let me know why you contend against me.

But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you,

and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.

"Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?

I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called to God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.

The tents of robbers are at peace, and those who provoke God are secure, who bring their god in their hand.

"With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.

But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.

Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him?

Will you show partiality toward him? Will you plead the case for God?

But you are doing away with the fear of God and hindering meditation before God.

Have you listened in the council of God? And do you limit wisdom to yourself?

Are the comforts of God too small for you, or the word that deals gently with you?