4. If your children sinned against Him,He cast them away for their transgression.
5. If you yourself would seek God earnestly,and seek favor from the Almighty,
6. if you were pure and upright,surely now He would rouse Himself on your behalf,and He would prosper your righteous dwelling.
7. Though your beginning was small,your end will increase greatly.
8. “Please, ask the former generation,and prepare yourself for what their fathers searched out;
9. for we were born but yesterday and know nothing,because our days on earth are a shadow.
10. Will they not teach you, and tell you,and bring forth words out of their heart?
11. Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh?Can the reed grow without water?