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If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty for mercy,
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if you are pure and upright, surely then he will rouse himself for you and restore your rightful habitation.
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“If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him.
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I also could speak as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you.
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If you say, ‘How we will pursue him!’ and, ‘The root of the matter is found in him,’
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Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right, or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?
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If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents,
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if you lay gold in the dust, and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed,
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Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand.
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If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you.
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“If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.
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If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
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If you are righteous, what do you give to him? Or what does he receive from your hand?
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“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
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Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this.
