Let him puthis mouthin the dust,Perhapsthereis hope.
When he was in distress,he entreatedthe LORDhis Godand humbledhimself greatlybeforethe Godof his fathers.
"I have sewedsackclothovermy skinAnd thrustmy hornin the dust.
"Behold,I am insignificant;whatcan I replyto You? I laymy handon my mouth.
"Thereis hopefor your future,"declaresthe LORD,"And [your] childrenwill returnto their own territory.
so that you may rememberand be ashamedand neveropenyour mouthanymorebecauseof your humiliation,when I have forgivenyou for allthat you have done,"the LordGODdeclares.
Whoknowswhether He will [not] turnand relentAnd leavea blessingbehindHim, [Even] a grain offeringand a drinkofferingFor the LORDyour God?
"Whoknows,Godmay turnand relentand withdrawHis burningangerso that we will not perish."
Seekthe LORD,Allyou humbleof the earthWhohave carriedout His ordinances;Seekrighteousness,seekhumility.Perhapsyou will be hiddenIn the dayof the LORD'Sanger.
"But the tax collector,standingsome distance away,was evenunwillingto liftup his eyesto heaven,but was beatinghis breast,saying,'God,be mercifulto me, the sinner!'
Nowwe knowthat whateverthe Lawsays,it speaksto thosewho are underthe Law,sothat everymouthmay be closedand allthe worldmay becomeaccountableto God;
