“Behold, you have admonished and instructed many,
And you have strengthened weak hands.

“You will know also that your descendants will be many,
And your offspring as the grass of the earth.

“You would lie down with no one to frighten you,
And many would entreat and seek your favor.

“How many are my iniquities and sins [that so much sorrow should come to me]?
Make me recognize and understand my transgression and my sin.

“I have heard many such things;
Wearisome and miserable comforters are you all.

“For He performs what is planned (appointed) for me,
And He is mindful of many such things.

“The earth is changed like clay into which a seal is pressed;
And the things [of the earth] stand out like a [multi-colored] garment.

“Will he make many supplications to you [begging to be spared]?
Or will he speak soft words to you [to coax you to treat him kindly]?