Immerse: Poets Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 296
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IMMERSE
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POETS
What he destroys cannot be rebuilt.
When he puts someone in prison, there is no escape.
If he holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert.
If he releases the waters, they flood the earth.
Yes, strength and wisdom are his;
deceivers and deceived are both in his power.
He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment;
wise judges become fools.
He removes the royal robe of kings.
They are led away with ropes around their waist.
He leads priests away, stripped of status;
he overthrows those with long years in power.
He silences the trusted adviser
and removes the insight of the elders.
He pours disgrace upon princes
and disarms the strong.
“He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness;
he brings light to the deepest gloom.
He builds up nations, and he destroys them.
He expands nations, and he abandons them.
He strips kings of understanding
and leaves them wandering in a pathless wasteland.
They grope in the darkness without a light.
He makes them stagger like drunkards.
“Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes
and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.
I know as much as you do.
You are no better than I am.
As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty.
I want to argue my case with God himself.
As for you, you smear me with lies.
As physicians, you are worthless quacks.
If only you could be silent!
That’s the wisest thing you could do.
Listen to my charge;
pay attention to my arguments.
“Are you defending God with lies?
Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
Will you slant your testimony in his favor?
Will you argue God’s case for him?
12:14–13:8
