17. He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.
18. He would not let me catch my breath but 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.
27. If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’
28. I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent.