Study Desk

"For the ^(C1)despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not ^(C2)abandon the ^(F1)fear of the Almighty.

-"My brothers have acted ^(C1)deceitfully like a ^(F1)wadi, Like the torrents of ^(F1)wadis which drain away,

Which are darkened because of ice, And into which the snow ^(F1)melts.

-"When ^(C1)they dry up, they vanish; When it is hot, they disappear from their place.

-"The ^(F1)paths of their course wind along, They go up into wasteland and perish.

-"The caravans of ^(C1)Tema looked, The travelers of ^(C2)Sheba hoped for them.

-"They ^(C1)were put to shame, for they had trusted, They came there and were humiliated.

-"Indeed, you have now become such, ^(C1)You see terrors and are afraid.

-"Have I said, 'Give me something,' Or, 'Offer a bribe for me from your wealth,'

Or, 'Save me from the hand of the enemy,' Or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the tyrants'?

"Teach me, and ^(C1)I will be silent; And show me how I have done wrong.

-"How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?

-"Do you intend to rebuke my words, When the ^(C1)words of one in despair belong to the wind?

-"You would even ^(C1)cast lots for ^(C2)the orphans, And ^(C3)barter over your friend.

-"Now please look at me, And see if I am ^(C1)lying to your face.

-"Please turn away, let there be no injustice; Turn away, ^(C1)my righteousness is still in it.

-"Is there injustice on my tongue? Does ^(C1)my palate not discern disasters?