Study Desk

"Behold, how happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise or reject the discipline of the Almighty [subjecting you to trial and suffering].

Because the arrows of the Almighty are within me, My spirit drinks their poison; The terrors of God are arrayed against me.

"Oh that my request would come to pass, And that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

"I wish that it would please God to crush me, That He would let loose His hand and cut me off.

"Indeed, you have now become like a dried-up stream, You see a terror [believing me to be a victim of the wrath of God] and are afraid [to be compassionate].

"Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness?

"If you would [diligently] seek God And implore the compassion and favor of the Almighty,

"So are the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the godless will perish,

"Behold, God will not reject a man of integrity, Nor will He strengthen or support evildoers.

"Yes, I know it is true. But how can a mortal man be right before God?

"God is wise in heart and mighty in strength; Who has [ever] defied or challenged Him and remained unharmed?

"It is God who removes the mountains, and they do not know it, When He overturns them in His anger;

"God will not turn back His anger; The [proud] helpers of Rahab [the arrogant monster of the sea] bow under Him.

"For God is not a [mere] man, as I am, that I may answer Him, That we may go to court and judgment together.

"I will say to God, 'Do not condemn me [and declare me guilty]! Show me why You contend and argue and struggle with me.

"For you have said, 'My teaching (doctrine) [that God knowingly afflicts the righteous] is pure, And I am innocent in your eyes.'

"But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips [to speak] against you,

And [that He would] show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God forgets a part of your wickedness and guilt.

"Can you discover the depths of God? Can you [by searching] discover the limits of the Almighty [ascend to His heights, extend to His widths, and comprehend His infinite perfection]?

"If God passes by or arrests, Or calls an assembly [of judgment], who can restrain Him? [If He is against a man, who can call Him to account for it?]