Who is the Almighty that we should serve him? What do we gain if we pray to him?’
They told God, ‘Leave us alone! What can the Almighty do for us?’
Is the Almighty pleased when you are righteous? Does he gain anything when you follow the path of integrity?
He says, ‘It doesn’t do any good to try to please God.’
when you ask, ‘What benefit is it to you?’ and, ‘What would I gain by sinning?’
that has said, “We will overcome with our tongues. With lips such as ours, who can be our master?”
I’ve received no reward for keeping my life pure and washing my hands of any blame.
Pharaoh asked, “Who is the Lord? Why should I obey him and let Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and I won’t let Israel go.”
or I may feel satisfied and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or I may become poor and steal and give the name of my God a bad reputation.
Get out of our way! Stop blocking our path! Get the Holy One of Israel out of our sight.’ ”
I haven’t spoken privately or in some dark corner of the world. I didn’t say to Jacob’s descendants, “Search for me in vain!” I, the Lord, speak what is fair and say what is right.
Oppression follows oppression. Deceit follows deceit. They refuse to acknowledge me,” declares the Lord.
When I fed you, you were full. When you were full, you became arrogant. That is why you forgot me.
“You have said, ‘It’s pointless to serve God. What do we gain if we meet his standards or if we walk around feeling sorry for what we’ve done?
“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.
So far you haven’t asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive so that you can be completely happy.