15
The floods of the sea also in like manner took counsel and said, `Come, let us go up and subdue the woods of the plain, that there also we may make us another country.'
16
The thought of the wood was in vain, for the fire came and consumed it.
17
The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought, for the sand stood up and stopped them.
18
If thou wert judge now between these two, whom wouldest thou begin to justify? Or whom wouldest thou condemn?"
19
I answered and said, "Verily it is a foolish thought that they both have devised, for the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea also hath his place to bear his floods."
20
Then answered he me and said, "Thou hast given a right judgment, but why judgest thou not thyself also?
21
For as the ground is given unto the wood and the sea to his floods, even so those who dwell upon the earth may understand nothing but that which is upon the earth; and he that dwelleth above the heavens may only understand the things that are above the height of the heavens."
22
Then answered I and said, "I beseech thee, O lord, let me have understanding.Œ
23
For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but of such as pass by us daily, namely: why Israel is given up as a reproach to the heathen, and for what cause the people whom thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations, and why the law of our forefathers is brought to nought and the written covenants come to no effect,
24
and we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our life is astonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain mercy.
25
What will He then do unto His name whereby we are called? Of these things have I asked."