14. How much less shall I answer him, choose out my words to strive with him?
15. Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge.
16. If I had called, and he had answered me, I would not believe that he hearkened to my voice, --
17. He, who crusheth me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.
18. He suffereth me not to take my breath, for he filleth me with bitternesses.
19. Be it a question of strength, lo, he is strong; and be it of judgment, who will set me a time?
20. If I justified myself, mine own mouth would condemn me; were I perfect, he would prove me perverse.
21. Were I perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.
22. It is all one; therefore I said, he destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.
23. If the scourge kill suddenly, he mocketh at the trial of the innocent.
24. The earth is given over into the hand of the wicked man; he covereth the faces of its judges. If not, who then is it?
25. And my days are swifter than a runner: they flee away, they see no good.
26. They pass by like skiffs of reed; as an eagle that swoops upon the prey.