20. If I am righteous, my own mouth would condemn me.It would declare that I am corrupt even if I am a man of integrity.
21. If I am a man of integrity, I have no way of knowing it.I hate my life!
22. It is all the same.That is why I say,‘He destroys ⌊both⌋ the man of integrity and the wicked.’
23. When a sudden disaster brings death,he makes fun of the despair of innocent people.
24. The earth is handed over to the wicked.He covers the faces of its judges.If he isn’t the one ⌊doing this⌋, who is?
25. “My days go by more quickly than a runner.They sprint away.They don’t see anything good.
26. They pass by quickly like boats made from reeds,like an eagle swooping down on its prey.
27. ⌊Even⌋ if I say, ‘I will forget my complaining;I will change my expression and smile,’
28. I ⌊still⌋ dread everything I must suffer.I know that you won’t declare me innocent.
29. I’ve already been found guilty.Why should I work so hard for nothing?
30. If I wash myself with lye soapand cleanse my hands with bleach,
31. then you would plunge me into a muddy pit,and my own clothes would find me disgusting.
32. A human like me cannot answer God,‘Let’s take our case to court.’
33. There is no mediator between usto put his hand on both of us.
34. God should take his rod away from me,and he should not terrify me.