¹⁸ If God places no trust in his servants,^(A)
    if he charges his angels with error,^(B)

¹⁹ how much more those who live in houses of clay,^(A)
    whose foundations^(B) are in the dust,^(C)
    who are crushed^(D) more readily than a moth!^(E)

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

² “Can a man be of benefit to God?^(A)
    Can even a wise person benefit him?^(B)
3 What pleasure^(C) would it give the Almighty if you were righteous?^(D)
    What would he gain if your ways were blameless?^(E)

⁴ “Is it for your piety that he rebukes you
    and brings charges against you?^(F)
5 Is not your wickedness great?
    Are not your sins^(G) endless?^(H)

⁴ How then can a mortal be righteous before God?
    How can one born of woman be pure?^(A)
5 If even the moon^(B) is not bright
    and the stars are not pure in his eyes,^(C)
6 how much less a mortal, who is but a maggot—
    a human being,^(D) who is only a worm!”^(E)