⁴ Behold, I am nought: what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.

⁵ Once have I spoken, and I will not answer; yea twice, but I will proceed no further.

² I know that thou canst do everything, and that thou canst be hindered in no thought of thine.

³ Who is he that obscureth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered what I did not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

⁴ Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and inform me.

⁵ I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee:

⁶ Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.