24. Had I put my trust in goldor called fine gold my security;
25. Or had I rejoiced that my wealth was great,or that my hand had acquired abundance—
26. Had I looked upon the light as it shone,or the moon in the splendor of its progress,
27. And had my heart been secretly enticedto blow them a kiss with my hand,
28. This too would be a crime for condemnation,for I should have denied God above.
29. Had I rejoiced at the destruction of my enemyor exulted when evil came upon him,
30. Even though I had not allowed my mouth to sinby invoking a curse against his life—
31. Had not the men of my tent exclaimed,“Who has not been filled with his meat!”
32. No stranger lodged in the street,for I opened my door to wayfarers—
33. Had I, all too human, hidden my sinsand buried my guilt in my bosom
34. Because I feared the great multitudeand the scorn of the clans terrified me—then I should have remained silent, and not come out of doors!
35. Oh, that I had one to hear my case:here is my signature: let the Almighty answer me!Let my accuser write out his indictment!
36. Surely, I should wear it on my shoulderor put it on me like a diadem;
37. Of all my steps I should give him an account;like a prince I should present myself before him.
38. If my land has cried out against metill its furrows wept together;
39. If I have eaten its strength without paymentand grieved the hearts of its tenants;