“Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass?
Or does the ox low over his fodder?

“Now please look at me,
And see if I lie to your face [for you know that I would not].

“When I lie down I say,
‘When shall I arise [and the night be gone]?’
But the night continues,
And I am continually tossing until the dawning of day.

“Why then do You not pardon my transgression
And take away my sin and guilt?
For now I will lie down in the dust;
And You will seek me [diligently], but I will not be.”

“If I were to wash myself with snow
And cleanse my hands with lye,

“There is no arbitrator between us,
Who could lay his hand upon us both [would that there were].

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

“He pours contempt on princes and nobles
And loosens the belt of the strong [disabling them].

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

“His sons achieve honor, and he does not know it;
They become insignificant, and he is not aware of it.

“How long will you hunt for words and continue these speeches?
Do some clear thinking and show understanding and then we can talk.

“A snare catches him by the heel,
And a trap snaps shut on him.

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

“Look at me and be astonished and appalled;
And put your hand over your mouth.

“Together they lie down in the dust,
And the worms cover them.

“Please receive the law and instruction from His mouth
And establish His words in your heart and keep them.

And place your gold in the dust,
And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks [considering it of little value],

“When you are cast down and humbled, you will speak with confidence,
And the humble person He will lift up and save.

“I would present my cause before Him
And fill my mouth with arguments.

“They spend the night naked, without clothing,
And have no covering against the cold.

“They are exalted for a little while, and then they are gone;
Moreover, they are brought low and like everything [they are] gathered up and taken out of the way;
Even like the heads of grain they are cut off.

“He lies down rich, but never will again;
He opens his eyes, and it is gone.

Although I am right, I am accounted a liar.
My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’

When they crouch in their dens
And lie in wait in their lair?

“Behold, I am of little importance and contemptible; what can I reply to You?
I lay my hand on my mouth.

Look at everyone who is proud, and humble him,
And [if you are so able] tread down the wicked where they stand.

“Lay your hand on him;
Remember the battle [with him]; you will not do such [an ill-advised thing] again!