“ Hear my words , O wise men ; give ear O men of learning.
For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food.
Let us choose what is right ; let us learn together what is good.
For Job - has declared , ‘ I am righteous , yet God has deprived me of justice.
Would I lie about my case ? My wound is incurable , though I am without transgression. ’
What man is like Job - , (who) drinks up derision like water ?
He keeps company with evildoers ... and walks with wicked men.
For he has said , ‘ It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God. ’
Therefore listen O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong , and from the Almighty to act unjustly.
For vvv according to a man’s deeds He repays according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.
Indeed , it is true that God does not act wickedly , and the Almighty does not pervert justice.
Who gave Him charge over the earth ? Who appointed (Him) (over) the whole world ?
If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath ... ,
all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.
If you have understanding , hear this ; listen to ... my words.
Could one who hates justice govern ? ... Will you condemn the just and mighty One ,
who says to kings , ‘ (You are) worthless ! ’ and to nobles , ‘ (You are) wicked ,’
who is not partial ... to princes and does not favor rich over poor ? For they are all the work of His hands.
They die in an instant , in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away ; the mighty are removed without human hand.
For His eyes (are) on the ways of a man , and He sees vvv his every step.
There is no darkness (or) deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide.
For God need not ... examine a man further (or) have him approach ... for judgment.
He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place.
Therefore , He recognizes their deeds ; He overthrows (them) in the night and they are crushed.
He strikes them for their wickedness in full view ,
because ... ... they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways.
They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him , and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.
But when He remains silent , who can condemn Him ? When He hides His face , who can see Him ? Yet He watches over both man and nation ... ,
that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.
Suppose someone says to God , ‘ I have endured my punishment ; I will offend no more.
Teach me what I cannot see ; ... if I have done wrong , I will not do it again. ’
Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed His ... ? You must choose , not I ; so tell me what you know.
Men of understanding will declare and the wise men who hear me
‘ Job - speaks without knowledge ; his words lack insight. ’
If only Job - were tried to the utmost for answering like a wicked man.
For he adds rebellion to his sin ; he claps (his hands) among us and multiplies his words against God. ”