I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth. I have not said to the seed of Jacob: Seek me in vain. I am the Lord that speak justice, that declare right things.
Lest perhaps being filled, I should be tempted to deny, and say: Who is the Lord? or being compelled by poverty, I should steal, and forswear the name of my God.
And you have said: What have we spoken against thee? You have said: He laboureth in vain that serveth God, and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances, and that we have walked sorrowful before the Lord of hosts?