¹² But the witless can no more become wise
    than a wild donkey’s colt^(A) can be born human.^[a](B)

¹⁴ “What are mortals, that they could be pure,
    or those born of woman,^(A) that they could be righteous?^(B)

²⁰ Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,^(A)
    no one who does what is right and never sins.^(B)

⁵ Friend deceives friend,^(A)
    and no one speaks the truth.^(B)
They have taught their tongues to lie;^(C)
    they weary themselves with sinning.

²³ Can an Ethiopian^[a] change his skin
    or a leopard its spots?
Neither can you do good
    who are accustomed to doing evil.^(A)

⁹ The heart^(A) is deceitful above all things
    and beyond cure.
    Who can understand it?