2If I venture to speak with you, will you be wearied? But who can restrain himself from speaking with you?

3Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands.

4Your words have upheld the weak, and you have strengthened the feeble knees.

5But now because misfortune has come upon you, and you are weary; it touches you, and you are terrified.

6Behold, your fear is to be blamed, and your trust in the integrity of your way.

7Remember, I pray you, whoever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright ever put to shame?

8As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble, reap the same.

9By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his anger they are consumed.

10The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the young lion are silenced, and the teeth of the lions are broken.

11The lion perishes for the lack of prey, and the whelps of the lioness are scattered.

12Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and my ear received a little of it.

13In silence, in a night vision, when deep sleep falls on men,

14Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.

15Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:

16Then I arose, but I could not discern its meaning; there was no form before my eyes, but I heard a gentle voice, saying,

17Shall mortal man be declared more righteous than God? Shall he be more pure than his Maker?

18Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his messengers he struck with amazement;

19Even those who dwell in decorated houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, shall be humbled before the thick darkness.

20They shall be afflicted from morning to evening, that they may not dwell for ever; yea, they shall perish.

21Behold, their possessions are taken away from them; and the rest of them shall die without wisdom.