Study Desk

For hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground.

For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.

For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.

"Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for,

The caravans of Tema look for water, the traveling merchants of Sheba look in hope.

Have I ever said, 'Give something on my behalf, pay a ransom for me from your wealth,

You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend.

Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.

Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages,

The eye that now sees me will see me no longer; you will look for me, but I will be no more.

Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?

Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; you will search for me, but I will be no more."

for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.

it entwines its roots around a pile of rocks and looks for a place among the stones.

Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.

He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.

"Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.

I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent.

If I am guilty-woe to me! Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and drowned in my affliction.

and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.