For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
Ye 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?
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;
I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.