Part 303 (1/2)

They are pa.s.sed away as the swift s.h.i.+ps: As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey.

My soul is weary of my life; I will give free course to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

I will say unto G.o.d, ”Do not condemn me; Shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.

Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, That thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands?

Are not my days few? cease then, And let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, Before I go whence I shall not return, Even to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death; A land of thick darkness, as darkness itself; A land of the shadow of death, without any order, And where the light is as darkness.”

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ZOPHAR.

Should not the mult.i.tude of words be answered?

And should a man full of talk be justified?

Should thy boastings make men hold their peace?

And when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

For thou sayest, ”My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in thine eyes.”

But Oh that G.o.d would speak, And open his lips against thee; And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, That it is manifold in effectual working!

Know therefore that G.o.d exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.

Canst thou by searching find out G.o.d?

Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

It is high as heaven; what canst thou do?

Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know?

The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea.

For he knoweth vain men: He seeth iniquity also, even though he consider it not.

If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, And let not unrighteousness dwell in thy tents; Surely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: For thou shalt forget thy misery; Thou shalt remember it as waters that are pa.s.sed away: And thy life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning.

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JOB.

No doubt but ye are the people, And wisdom shall die with you.

But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: Yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, Mine ear hath heard and understood it.

What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you.

Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with G.o.d.

But ye are forgers of lies, Ye are all physicians of no value.

Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace!

And it should be your wisdom.

Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes.

Though he slay me, yet will I wait for him: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.

This also shall be my salvation; For a G.o.dless man shall not come before him.

Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears.

Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I am righteous.

Who is he that will contend with me?

How many are mine iniquities and sins?

Make me to know my transgression and my sin.