“Is a mortal man righteous before God? Or a man pure before his Creator?

The hungry eat up his harvest, and take it even from behind the thorns, and the thirsty swallow up their fortune.

he sets the lowly on high, that those who mourn are raised to safety.

So he saves from the sword that comes from their mouth, even the poor from the hand of the powerful.

For now you have become like these streams that are no help; you see a terror, and are afraid.

Do you intend to criticize mere words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?

Remember that my life is but a breath, that my eyes will never again see happiness.

If I say, “My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint,”

If your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin.

Can the papyrus plant grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish without water?

Such is the destiny of all who forget God; the hope of the godless perishes,

Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”

“How much less, then, can I answer him and choose my words to argue with him!

Although I am innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my judge for mercy.

then you plunge me into a slimy pit and my own clothes abhor me.

who would take his rod away from me so that his terror would not make me afraid.

Remember that you have made me as with the clay; will you return me to dust?

Are not my days few? Cease, then, and leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,

It is higher than the heavens – what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol – what can you know?

For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?