17. With a storm he might overwhelm me,and multiply my wounds for nothing;
18. He would not allow me to draw breath,but might fill me with bitter griefs.
19. If it be a question of strength, he is mighty;or of judgment, who will call him to account?
20. Though I were right, my own mouth might condemn me;were I innocent, it might put me in the wrong.
21. I am innocent, but I cannot know it;I despise my life.
22. It is all one! therefore I say:Both the innocent and the wicked he destroys.
23. When the scourge slays suddenly,he scoffs at the despair of the innocent.
24. The earth is given into the hands of the wicked;he covers the faces of its judges.If it is not he, who then is it?
25. My days are swifter than a runner,they flee away; they see no happiness;
26. They shoot by like skiffs of reed,like an eagle swooping upon its prey.
27. If I say: I will forget my complaining,I will lay aside my sadness and be of good cheer,
28. Then I am in dread of all my pains;I know that you will not hold me innocent.
29. It is I who will be accounted guilty;why then should I strive in vain?
30. If I should wash myself with soapand cleanse my hands with lye,
31. Yet you would plunge me in the ditch,so that my garments would abhor me.