Study Desk

"But [the brave, strong] man must die and lie face down; Man breathes his last, and where is he?

"But now You number [each of] my steps; You do not observe nor take note of my sin.

"But as a mountain, if it falls, crumbles into nothing, And as the rock is moved from its place,

"But his body [lamenting its decay] grieves in pain over it, And his soul mourns over [the loss of] himself."

"It will be fulfilled while he still lives, And his branch will not be green [but shall wither away].

"[But instead] I could strengthen and encourage you with [the words of] my mouth, And the consolation and solace of my lips would soothe your suffering and lessen your anguish.

"But now God has exhausted me. You [O Lord] have destroyed all my family and my household.

"I was [living] at ease, but He crushed me and broke me apart, And He has seized me by the neck and has shaken me to pieces; He has also set me up as His target.

"But You [Lord] have closed their hearts to understanding, Therefore You will not exalt them [by giving a verdict against me].

"But He has made me a byword and mockery among the people, And I have become one in whose face people spit.

"But as for all of you, come back again, Even though I do not find a wise man among you.

"These [thoughts try to] make the night into the day; 'The light is near,' they say in the presence of darkness [but they pervert the truth].

"But if I look to Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) as my home, If I make my bed in the darkness,

"Behold, I cry out, 'Violence!' but I am not heard; I shout for help, but there is no justice.

"I call to my servant, but he does not answer; I have to implore him with words.

"I have heard the reproof which insults me, But the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

"His bones are full of youthful strength But it lies down with him in the dust.

Though he desires it and will not let it go But holds it in his mouth,

"He swallows [his ill-gotten] riches, But will vomit them up; God will drive them out of his belly.

"He may flee from the iron weapon, But the bow of bronze will pierce him through.