15. Whom, though I were tzaddik (righteous, innocent, in the right), yet would I not answer, but I would make techinnah (supplication, plea for mercy) for my mishpat (right).
16. If I had summoned, and He had responded to me, yet would I not believe that He had paid heed unto my kol (voice);
17. For He breaketh me in a sa'arah (tempest, storm), and multiplieth my wounds without cause.
18. He will not allow me to take my ruach (breath), but filleth me with bitterness.
19. If I speak of ko'ach, hinei, He is mighty, and if of mishpat, who can give Him a court summons?
20. If etzdak (I am justified, in the right), mine own mouth would condemn me; if I say, I am blameless, He would prove me perverse.
21. Though I were blameless, yet would I not know my nefesh; I would despise my life.
22. This is one thing; therefore I said it, He destroyeth the tam (blameless) and the rasha (wicked).
23. If the shot (scourge) slay suddenly, He laugheth at the melting away [in anguish] of the nekiyim (innocent ones, the guiltless ones).
24. Eretz is given into the yad of the resha; He blindfoldeth the faces of the shofetim (judges) thereof; if not, then, who doeth it?
25. Now my yamim are swifter than a runner; they flee away, they see no tovah.
26. They slip by like oniyyot (boats) of reed; as the nesher that swoopeth down on the prey.
27. If I say, I will forget my si'akh (complaint), I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself,