For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself in God.’
For the wicked are reserved for the day of destruction; they will be brought forth on the day of wrath.
They said to God, ‘Depart from us,’ and, ‘What can the Almighty do to us?’
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or is it gain to Him that you make your ways blameless?
Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call upon God?
For you said, ‘What advantage will it be to me? What profit will I have if I am cleansed from my sin?’
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
When you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you partake with adulterers.
Surely I have kept my heart clean in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
“Why have we fasted and You do not see? Why have we humbled ourselves and You take no notice?” Behold, in the day of your fast you find your desire and are exacting on all your laborers.
You said, “It is vain to serve God. What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the Lord of Hosts?