28. To sit alone and in silence,when its weight lies heavy,
29. To put one’s mouth in the dust—there may yet be hope—
30. To offer one’s cheek to be struck,to be filled with disgrace.
31. For the Lord does notreject forever;
32. Though he brings grief, he takes pity,according to the abundance of his mercy;
33. He does not willingly afflictor bring grief to human beings.
34. That someone tramples underfootall the prisoners in the land,
35. Or denies justice to anyonein the very sight of the Most High,
36. Or subverts a person’s lawsuit—does the Lord not see?
37. Who speaks so that it comes to pass,unless the Lord commands it?
38. Is it not at the word of the Most Highthat both good and bad take place?
39. What should the living complain about?about their sins!
40. Let us search and examine our ways,and return to the Lord!
41. Let us lift up our hearts as well as our handstoward God in heaven!
42. We have rebelled and been obstinate;you have not forgiven us.
43. You wrapped yourself in wrath and pursued us,killing without pity;
44. You wrapped yourself in a cloud,which no prayer could pierce.
45. You have made us filth and rubbishamong the peoples.
46. They have opened their mouths against us,all our enemies;