If I have walked in falsehood, and if my foot has hastened to deceit –

“If I have disregarded the right of my male servants or my female servants when they disputed with me,

If I have refused to give the poor what they desired, or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,

If I have seen anyone about to perish for lack of clothing, or a poor man without a coat,

whose heart did not bless me as he warmed himself with the fleece of my sheep,

“If I have put my confidence in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security!’

if I looked at the sun when it was shining, and the moon advancing as a precious thing,

If I have rejoiced over the misfortune of my enemy or exulted because calamity found him –

if I have covered my transgressions as men do, by hiding iniquity in my heart,

Surely I would wear it proudly on my shoulder, I would bind it on me like a crown;

“If my land cried out against me and all its furrows wept together,

if I have eaten its produce without paying, or caused the death of its owners,

If you have any words, reply to me; speak, for I want to justify you.

If not, you listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”

If God were to set his heart on it, and gather in his spirit and his breath,

“If you have understanding, listen to this, hear what I have to say.

Do you really think that one who hates justice can govern? And will you declare guilty the supremely righteous One,

If they obey and serve him, they live out their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness.

But if they refuse to listen, they pass over the river of death, and expire without knowledge.

Who can understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion?