23. When a scourge brings sudden death,he mocks the despair of the innocent.
24. When a land falls into the hands of the wicked,he blindfolds its judges.If it is not he, then who is it?
25. ‘My days are swifter than a runner;they fly away without a glimpse of joy.
26. They skim past like boats of papyrus,like eagles swooping down on their prey.
27. If I say, “I will forget my complaint,I will change my expression, and smile,”
28. I still dread all my sufferings,for I know you will not hold me innocent.
29. Since I am already found guilty,why should I struggle in vain?
30. Even if I washed myself with soapand my hands with cleansing powder,
31. you would plunge me into a slime pitso that even my clothes would detest me.