Study Desk

"Indeed, I know that this is so; but how can a human win a case against God?

God will not withdraw his anger — even Rahav's supporters submit to him.

I will say to God, ‘Don't condemn me! Tell me why you are contending with me.

"You claim that your teaching is pure; you tell [God], ‘I am clean in your sight.'

I wish that God would speak, would open his mouth to answer you,

would tell you the secrets of wisdom, which is worth twice as much as common sense. Understand that God is demanding of you less than your guilt deserves.

"Anyone who calls on God, and he answers him, becomes a laughingstock to his friends — they make fun of an innocent, blameless man.

The tents of robbers prosper, [the homes of] those who anger God are secure, those who carry their gods in their hands.

"With God are wisdom and power; he has [good] counsel and understanding.

However, it's Shaddai I want to speak with; I want to prove my case to God.

"Only grant two things to me, God; then I won't hide myself from your face —

"Why, you are abolishing fear of God and hindering prayer to him!

Are the comfortings of God not enough for you, or a word that deals gently with you?

so that you turn your spirit against God and let such words escape your mouth?

God doesn't trust even his holy ones; no, even the heavens are not innocent in his view.

"He raises his hand against God and boldly defies Shaddai,

"He will not escape from darkness. The flame will dry up his branches. By a breath from the mouth of [God], he will go away.

"God delivers me to the perverse, throws me into the hands of the wicked.

With friends like these as intercessors, my eyes pour out tears to God,

that he would arbitrate between a man and God, just as one does for his fellow human being.