For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?

What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.

If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;

Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.