1
You men are so wise, so clever; listen now to what I am saying.
3
You know good food when you taste it, but not wise words when you hear them.
4
It is up to us to decide the case.
5
Job claims that he is innocent, that God refuses to give him justice.
6
He asks, "How could I lie and say I am wrong? I am fatally wounded, but I am sinless."
7
Have you ever seen anyone like this man Job? He never shows respect for God.
8
He likes the company of evil people and goes around with sinners.
9
He says that it never does any good to try to follow God's will.
10
Listen to me, you men who understand! Will Almighty God do what is wrong?
11
He rewards people for what they do
1 and treats them as they deserve.
12
Almighty God does not do evil; he is never unjust to anyone.
13
Did God get his power from someone else? Did someone put him in charge of the world?
14
If God took back the breath of life,
15
then everyone living would die and turn into dust again.
16
Now listen to me, if you are wise.
17
Are you condemning the righteous God? Do you think that [he ]hates justice?
18
God condemns kings and rulers when they are worthless or wicked.
19
He does not take the side of rulers nor favor the rich over the poor, for he created everyone.