He breaks through against me, time and time again; he rushes against me like a warrior.

although there is no violence in my hands and my prayer is pure.

My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;

Below his roots dry up, and his branches wither above.

If indeed you would exalt yourselves above me and plead my disgrace against me,

My kinsmen have failed me; my friends have forgotten me.

“If evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue,

“Nothing is left for him to devour; that is why his prosperity does not last.

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

Bear with me and I will speak, and after I have spoken you may mock.

They allow their children to run like a flock; their little ones dance about.

Can anyone teach God knowledge, since he judges those that are on high?

Is not your wickedness great and is there no end to your iniquity?

The righteous see their destruction and rejoice; the innocent mock them scornfully, saying,

I would lay out my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.

Indeed, God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me.

Men move boundary stones; they seize the flock and pasture them.

He preys on the barren and childless woman, and does not treat the widow well.

“Dominion and awesome might belong to God; he establishes peace in his heights.

Can his armies be numbered? On whom does his light not rise?