4. If your children have sinned against him,he has delivered them into the hand of their transgression.
5. If you will seek Godand plead with the Almighty for mercy,
6. if you are pure and upright,surely then he will rouse himself for youand restore your rightful habitation.
7. And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great.
8. “For inquire, please, of bygone ages,and consider what the fathers have searched out.
9. For we are but of yesterday and know nothing,for our days on earth are a shadow.
10. Will they not teach you and tell youand utter words out of their understanding?
11. “Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh?Can reeds flourish where there is no water?
12. While yet in flower and not cut down,they wither before any other plant.