5 If you will seek Godand plead with the Almighty for mercy,
6 if you are pure and upright,surely then he will rouse himself for youand restore your rightful habitation.
7 And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great.
8 “For inquire, please, of bygone ages,and consider what the fathers have searched out.
9 For we are but of yesterday and know nothing,for our days on earth are a shadow.
10 Will they not teach you and tell youand utter words out of their understanding?
11 “Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh?Can reeds flourish where there is no water?