16. Even if I summoned him and he responded,I do not believe he would give me a hearing.
17. He would crush me with a stormand multiply my wounds for no reason.
18. He would not let me catch my breathbut would overwhelm me with misery.
19. If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty!And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him?
20. Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me;if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
21. ‘Although I am blameless,I have no concern for myself;I despise my own life.
22. It is all the same; that is why I say,“He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.”
23. When a scourge brings sudden death,he mocks the despair of the innocent.
24. When a land falls into the hands of the wicked,he blindfolds its judges.If it is not he, then who is it?
25. ‘My days are swifter than a runner;they fly away without a glimpse of joy.
26. They skim past like boats of papyrus,like eagles swooping down on their prey.