28. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him.
29. Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope.
30. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.
31. For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.
32. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.
33. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.
34. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land,
35. to deny people their rights before the Most High,
36. to deprive them of justice— would not the Lord see such things?
37. Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?
38. Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?
39. Why should the living complain when punished for their sins?
40. Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
41. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, and say:
42. “We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven.
43. “You have covered yourself with anger and pursued us; you have slain without pity.
44. You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can get through.
45. You have made us scum and refuse among the nations.
46. “All our enemies have opened their mouths wide against us.