Part 24 (1/2)

Why do the times of judgment depend upon the Almighty, And yet they who know him do not see his days?[239]

The wicked remove the landmarks; They rob flocks and lead them to pasture.

CCXXII

They drive away the a.s.s of the fatherless, The widow's ox they seize for a pledge; They turn the needy out of the way, All the poor of the earth have to hide themselves.[240]

CCXXIII

Lo, these things mine ear hath heard, Mine eye hath seen them, and so it is.[241]

And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, And render my speech meaningless?

CCXXIV

BILDAD:

Dominion and fear are with him, Who maketh peace in his high places.

Is there any number to his armies?

And upon whom doth his light not arise?

CCXXV

By his power the sea groweth calm, And by his understanding he smiteth the sea-dragon.

By his breath the heavens become splendour; His hand hath pierced the bolt-serpent.

CCXXVI

But the thunder of his power, Who understands its working?

And how can man be deemed just before G.o.d, And how can he be clean who is born of a woman?

CCXXVII

Behold, even the moon s.h.i.+neth not, Yea, the stars are not pure in his sight; How much less man, the worm; And the son of man, the maggot!

CCXXVIII

JOB:

How hast thou helped him that is without power?

How upholdest thou the arm that hath no strength?

To whom hast thou uttered words?

And whose spirit went out from thee?

CCXXIX

As G.o.d liveth who hath taken away my right, And the Almighty who hath made my soul bitter, Never shall my lips confess untruth, Nor my tongue give utterance to falsehood!

CCx.x.x

Far be it from me to agree with you!

Till I die I will not yield up my integrity!