‘Can mankind be just before God?
Can a man be pure before his Maker?

If you are pure and upright,
Surely now He would rouse Himself for you
And restore your righteous estate.

“For you have said, ‘My teaching is pure,
And I am innocent in your eyes.’

“What is man, that he should be pure,
Or he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

“Behold, He puts no trust in His holy ones,
And the heavens are not pure in His sight;

Although there is no violence in my hands,
And my prayer is pure.

“If even the moon has no brightness
And the stars are not pure in His sight,

“Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it,
Nor can silver be weighed as its price.

“The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
Nor can it be valued in pure gold.

‘I am pure, without transgression;
I am innocent and there is no guilt in me.