Moreover, the strength of their ¹  hands – what use was it to me? Men whose strength ²  had perished;

for I do not know how to give honorary titles, ¹  if I did, ²  my Creator would quickly do away with me. ³ 

(41:1) ¹  See, his expectation is wrong, ²  he is laid low even at the sight of it. ³ 

Not so with the wicked! Instead ¹  they are like wind-driven chaff. ² 

Of what importance is the human race, ¹  that you should notice ²  them? Of what importance is mankind, ³  that you should pay attention to them, ⁴ 

Rise up, Lord! ¹  Don’t let men be defiant! ²  May the nations be judged in your presence!

You defend ¹  the fatherless and oppressed, ²  so that mere mortals may no longer terrorize them. ³ 

He remembered ¹  that they were made of flesh, and were like a wind that blows past and does not return. ² 

They treat me like ¹  those who descend into the grave. ²  I am like a helpless man, ³ 

Take note of my brief lifespan! ¹  Why do you make all people so mortal? ² 

The Lord is on my side, ¹  I am not afraid! What can people do to me? ² 

I run along the path of your commands, for you enable me to do so. ¹ 

O Lord, of what importance is the human race, ¹  that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, ²  that you should be concerned about them? ³ 

Their life’s breath departs, they return to the ground; on that day their plans die. ¹ 

For with great wisdom comes ¹  great frustration; whoever increases his ²  knowledge merely ³  increases his ⁴  heartache.

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted! Issue your orders, but they will not be executed! ¹  For God is with us! ² 

All the nations are insignificant before him; they are regarded as absolutely nothing. ¹ 

“For a short time I abandoned ¹  you, but with great compassion I will gather you.

The Lord says, “Watch out! ¹  The time is soon coming when I will punish all those who are circumcised only in the flesh. ² 

Why should any living person ¹  complain when punished for his sins? ²