22. Then let my arm fall from my shoulder,Let my arm be torn from the socket.
23. For destruction from God is a terror to me,And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.
24. “If I have made gold my hope,Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’;
25. If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great,And because my hand had gained much;
26. If I have observed the sun when it shines,Or the moon moving in brightness,
27. So that my heart has been secretly enticed,And my mouth has kissed my hand;
28. This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment,For I would have denied God who is above.
29. “If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me,Or lifted myself up when evil found him
30. (Indeed I have not allowed my mouth to sinBy asking for a curse on his soul);
31. If the men of my tent have not said,‘Who is there that has not been satisfied with his meat?’
32. (But no sojourner had to lodge in the street,For I have opened my doors to the traveler);
33. If I have covered my transgressions as Adam,By hiding my iniquity in my bosom,
34. Because I feared the great multitude,And dreaded the contempt of families,So that I kept silenceAnd did not go out of the door—
35. Oh, that I had one to hear me!Here is my mark.Oh, that the Almighty would answer me,That my Prosecutor had written a book!
36. Surely I would carry it on my shoulder,And bind it on me like a crown;
37. I would declare to Him the number of my steps;Like a prince I would approach Him.
38. “If my land cries out against me,And its furrows weep together;