“Does the wild donkey bray over his grass,
Or does the ox low over his fodder?

“Now please look at me,
And see if I lie to your face.

“When I lie down I say,
‘When shall I arise?’
But the night continues,
And I am continually tossing until dawn.

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

“Lo, God will not reject a man of integrity,
Nor will He support the evildoers.

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

“There is no umpire between us,
Who may lay his hand upon us both.

“You would lie down and none would disturb you,
And many would entreat your favor.

“Lay down, now, a pledge for me with Yourself;
Who is there that will be my guarantor?

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

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

Should I lie concerning my right?
My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’

“But the godless in heart lay up anger;
They do not cry for help when He binds them.

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

“Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You?
I lay my hand on my mouth.

“Pour out the overflowings of your anger,
And look on everyone who is proud, and make him low.

“Lay your hand on him;
Remember the battle; you will not do it again!

“Behold, your expectation is false;
Will you be laid low even at the sight of him?