what wise men declare, hiding nothing, from the tradition of their ancestors,

If a man denounces his friends for personal gain, the eyes of his children will fail.

I would give him an accounting of my steps; like a prince I would approach him.

then he reveals to them what they have done, and their transgressions, that they were behaving proudly.

To whom did you utter these words? And whose spirit has come forth from your mouth?

His thunder announces the coming storm, the cattle also, concerning the storm’s approach.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you possess understanding!

Have you considered the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know it all!

“But now, ask the animals and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky and they will tell you.

No one denounces his conduct to his face; no one repays him for what he has done.

If there is an angel beside him, one mediator out of a thousand, to tell a person what constitutes his uprightness;

and the Sabeans swooped down and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom – for true wisdom has two sides – so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.

you asked, ‘Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?’ But I have declared without understanding things too wonderful for me to know.

While this one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants – it has consumed them! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

and suddenly a great wind swept across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they died! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”