Manyseekthe ruler'sfavor,But justicefor man[comes] from the LORD.
and may GodAlmightygrantyou compassionin the sightof the man,so that he will releaseto you your otherbrotherand Benjamin.And as for me, ifI am bereavedof my children,I am bereaved."
Now Joabthe sonof Zeruiahperceivedthat the king'sheart[was inclined] towardAbsalom.
"OLord,I beseechYou, may Your earbe attentiveto the prayerof Your servantand the prayerof Your servantswho delightto revereYour name,and makeYour servantsuccessfultodayand granthim compassionbeforethisman."Now I was the cupbearerto the king.
"Go,assembleallthe Jewswho are foundin Susa,and fastfor me; do not eator drinkfor threedays,nightor day.I and my maidensalsowill fastin the sameway.And thusI will goin to the king,whichis not according to the law;and ifI perish,I perish."
Save,O LORD;May the Kinganswerus in the daywe call.
And lovingkindnessis Yours, O Lord,For You recompensea manaccording to his work.
The furyof a kingis [like] messengersof death,But a wisemanwill appeaseit.
In the lightof a king'sfaceis life,And his favoris like a cloudwith the springrain.
The lotis castinto the lap,But its everydecisionis from the LORD.
When a man'swaysare pleasingto the LORD,He makesevenhis enemiesto be at peacewith him.
Manyplansare in a man'sheart,But the counselof the LORDwill stand.
Manywill seekthe favorof a generousman,And everymanis a friendto him who gives gifts.
The king'sheartis [like] channelsof waterin the handof the LORD;He turnsit whereverHe wishes.
But I said,"I have toiledin vain,I have spentMy strengthfor nothingand vanity;Yet surelythe justice[due] to Me is with the LORD,And My rewardwith My God."
"Allthe inhabitantsof the earthare accountedas nothing,But He doesaccordingto His willin the hostof heavenAnd [among] the inhabitantsof earth;And noone can wardoffHis handOr sayto Him, 'Whathave You done?'
For I am consciousof nothingagainst myself,yetI am not by thisacquitted;but the one who examinesme is the Lord.
