19. If we speak of the strength of the mighty, lo, he is there! and if of judgment, who will appoint me a time?
20. Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse.
21. I am perfect; I regard not myself; I despise my life.
22. It is all one; therefore I say, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.
23. If the scourge slay suddenly, he will mock at the trial of the innocent.
24. The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if it be not he, who then is it?
25. Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.
26. They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that swoopeth on the prey.
27. If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad countenance, and be of good cheer:
28. I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.
29. I shall be condemned; why then do I labour in vain?
30. If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
31. Yet wilt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.
32. For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, that we should come together in judgment.
33. There is no daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
34. Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his terror make me afraid: