|
2 "Hear my words, you wise men;
listen to me, you men of learning. |
3 For the ear tests words
as the tongue tastes food. |
4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right;
let us learn together what is good. |
5 "Job says, 'I am innocent,
but God denies me justice. |
6 Although I am right,
I am considered a liar;
although I am guiltless,
his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.' |
7 What man is like Job,
who drinks scorn like water? |
8 He keeps company with evildoers;
he associates with wicked men. |
9 For he says, 'It profits a man nothing
when he tries to please God.' |
10 "So listen to me, you men of understanding.
Far be it from God to do evil,
from the Almighty to do wrong. |
11 He repays a man for what he has done;
he brings upon him what his conduct deserves. |
12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,
that the Almighty would pervert justice. |
13 Who appointed him over the earth?
Who put him in charge of the whole world? |
14 If it were his intention
and he withdrew his spirit1 34:14 Or Spirit and breath, |
15 all mankind would perish together
and man would return to the dust. |
16 "If you have understanding, hear this;
listen to what I say. |
17 Can he who hates justice govern?
Will you condemn the just and mighty One? |
18 Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,'
and to nobles, 'You are wicked,' |
19 who shows no partiality to princes
and does not favor the rich over the poor,
for they are all the work of his hands? |
20 They die in an instant, in the middle of the night;
the people are shaken and they pass away;
the mighty are removed without human hand. |
21 "His eyes are on the ways of men;
he sees their every step. |
22 There is no dark place, no deep shadow,
where evildoers can hide. |
23 God has no need to examine men further,
that they should come before him for judgment. |
24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
and sets up others in their place. |
25 Because he takes note of their deeds,
he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. |
26 He punishes them for their wickedness
where everyone can see them, |
27 because they turned from following him
and had no regard for any of his ways. |
28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him,
so that he heard the cry of the needy. |
29 But if he remains silent, who can condemn him?
If he hides his face, who can see him?
Yet he is over man and nation alike, |
30 to keep a godless man from ruling,
from laying snares for the people. |
31 "Suppose a man says to God,
'I am guilty but will offend no more. |
32 Teach me what I cannot see;
if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.' |
33 Should God then reward you on your terms,
when you refuse to repent?
You must decide, not I;
so tell me what you know. |
34 "Men of understanding declare,
wise men who hear me say to me, |
35 'Job speaks without knowledge;
his words lack insight.' |
36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost
for answering like a wicked man! |
37 To his sin he adds rebellion;
scornfully he claps his hands among us
and multiplies his words against God." |
