בְּמוֹ

If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye,

I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.

But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.

I call for my servant, but he does not answer, though I implore him with my own mouth.

The wild animals enter their lairs; they settle down in their dens.

For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

He burns half of it in the fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. Indeed, he warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.”

And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”