For you said, What advantage will it be to you? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
If I be wicked, woe to me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see you my affliction;
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray to him?
For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
For he has said, It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
I will answer you, and your companions with you.
I have sinned; what shall I do to you, O you preserver of men? why have you set me as a mark against you, so that I am a burden to myself?
Truly I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
You have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?