38. Is it not at the word of the Most Highthat both good and bad take place?
39. What should the living complain about?about their sins!
40. Let us search and examine our ways,and return to the Lord!
41. Let us lift up our hearts as well as our handstoward God in heaven!
42. We have rebelled and been obstinate;you have not forgiven us.
43. You wrapped yourself in wrath and pursued us,killing without pity;
44. You wrapped yourself in a cloud,which no prayer could pierce.
45. You have made us filth and rubbishamong the peoples.
46. They have opened their mouths against us,all our enemies;
47. Panic and the pit have been our lot,desolation and destruction;
48. My eyes stream with tears over the destructionof the daughter of my people.
49. My eyes will flow without ceasing,without rest,
50. Until the Lord from heavenlooks down and sees.
51. I am tormented by the sightof all the daughters of my city.
52. Without cause, my enemies snared meas though I were a bird;
53. They tried to end my life in the pit,pelting me with stones.
54. The waters flowed over my head:and I said, “I am lost!”
55. I have called upon your name, O Lord,from the bottom of the pit;
56. You heard me call, “Do not let your ear be deafto my cry for help.”