¹³ Who can fathom the Spirit^[a](A) of the Lord,
    or instruct the Lord as his counselor?^(B)
14 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,
    and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,^(C)
    or showed him the path of understanding?^(D)

¹⁵ Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
    they are regarded as dust on the scales;^(E)
    he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.^(F)
16 Lebanon^(G) is not sufficient for altar fires,
    nor its animals^(H) enough for burnt offerings.
¹⁷ Before him all the nations^(I) are as nothing;^(J)
    they are regarded by him as worthless
    and less than nothing.^(K)

³² “He is not a mere mortal^(A) like me that I might answer him,^(B)
    that we might confront each other in court.^(C)
33 If only there were someone to mediate between us,^(D)
    someone to bring us together,^(E)

⁵ Who is like the Lord our God,^(A)
    the One who sits enthroned^(B) on high,^(C)
6 who stoops down to look^(D)
    on the heavens and the earth?

² “Can a man be of benefit to God?^(A)
    Can even a wise person benefit him?^(B)
3 What pleasure^(C) would it give the Almighty if you were righteous?^(D)
    What would he gain if your ways were blameless?^(E)

⁷ If you are righteous, what do you give to him,^(A)
    or what does he receive^(B) from your hand?^(C)
8 Your wickedness only affects humans like yourself,^(D)
    and your righteousness only other people.^(E)