Of a truth I know that it is so: But how can man be just with God?
If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand.
For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, That we should come together in judgment.
That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us.
That which is hath been long ago; and that which is to be hath long ago been: and God seeketh again that which is passed away.
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! a potsherd among the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, when I contend with thee; yet would I reason the cause with thee: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they at ease that deal very treacherously?
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that will stand before me?
Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?