In his suffering he became humble, turned to the LORD his God, and begged him for help.

(SEE 40:3)

In the past I knew only what others had told me, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

So I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes.

I will forgive all the wrongs you have done, but you will remember them and be too ashamed to open your mouth." The Sovereign LORD has spoken.

Now we know that everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law, in order to stop all human excuses and bring the whole world under God's judgment.

Perhaps the LORD your God will change his mind and bless you with abundant crops. Then you can offer him grain and wine.

Perhaps God will change his mind; perhaps he will stop being angry, and we will not die!"

Turn to the LORD, all you humble people of the land, who obey his commands. Do what is right, and humble yourselves before the LORD. Perhaps you will escape punishment on the day when the LORD shows his anger.

I will get up and go to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against God and against you.

I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers." '

But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, 'God, have pity on me, a sinner!'