15. Even if I hadn't done anything wrong, I couldn't answer him. I could only beg my Judge to have mercy on me.
16. Suppose I called out to him and he answered. I don't believe he'd listen to me.
17. He would send a storm to crush me. He'd increase my wounds without any reason.
18. He wouldn't let me catch my breath. He'd make my life very bitter.
19. If it's a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it's a matter of being fair, who would dare to bring charges against him?
20. Even if I hadn't sinned, what I said would prove me guilty. Even if I were honest, my words would show that I'm wrong.
21. "Even though I'm honest, I'm not concerned about myself. I hate my own life.
22. It all amounts to the same thing. That's why I say, 'God destroys honest people and sinful people alike.'
23. Suppose a plague brings sudden death. Then he laughs when those who haven't sinned lose hope.
24. Suppose a nation falls into the power of sinful people. Then God makes its judges blind to the truth. If he isn't the one doing it, who is?
25. "God, my days race by like a runner. They fly away without seeing any joy.
26. They speed along like papyrus boats. They are like eagles swooping down on their food.
27. Suppose I say, 'I'll forget about all of my problems. I'll change my frown into a smile.'
28. Then I'd still be afraid I'd go on suffering. That's because I know you would say I had done something wrong.
29. In fact, you have already said I'm guilty. So why should I struggle without any reason?