“Listen now to my argument, and be attentive to my lips’ contentions.

Listen carefully to my words; let your ears be attentive to my explanation.

“Listen carefully to my words; let this be the consolation you offer me.

“People listened to me and waited silently; they kept silent for my advice.

“Listen to my words, you wise men; hear me, you learned men.

There the prisoners relax together; they do not hear the voice of the oppressor.

Listen carefully to the thunder of his voice, to the rumbling that proceeds from his mouth.

“Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, from the Almighty to do evil.