12. Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedlyand the Almighty does not pervert justice.
13. Who gave Him authority over the earth?Who put Him in charge of the entire world?
14. If He put His mind to itand withdrew the spirit and breath He gave,
15. every living thing would perish togetherand mankind would return to the dust.
16. If you have understanding, hear this;listen to what I have to say.
17. Could one who hates justice govern the world?Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One,
18. who says to a king, “Worthless man! ”and to nobles, “Wicked men! ”?
19. God is not partial to princesand does not favor the rich over the poor,for they are all the work of His hands.
20. They die suddenly in the middle of the night;people shudder, then pass away.Even the mighty are removed without effort.
21. For His eyes watch over a man’s ways,and He observes all his steps.
22. There is no darkness, no deep darkness,where evildoers can hide themselves.
23. God does not need to examine a person further,that one should approach Him in court.
24. He shatters the mighty without an investigationand sets others in their place.