And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

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

For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,