(11-14) The mutual relation of these verses has been the subject of many conflicting opinions. The following is the arrangement that seems preferable —
“And people say, How shall God know?
And does the Most High take notice of it?
Lo! there are wicked men, And yet, always at ease, they amass riches.
It is in vain then that I have kept my heart pure.
And washed my hands in innocence;
For I have been plagued every day,
And my punishments (come) every morning.”
— this reflection being put into the mouth of the public who are onlookers at the career of these timeservers. But the poet immediately goes on to disclaim it for himself.