26. In full view of the public, He strikes them for their wickedness,
27. because they turned aside from following Himand did not understand any of His ways
28. but caused the poor to cry out to Him,and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.
29. But when God is silent, who can declare Him guilty?When He hides His face, who can see Him?Yet He watches over both individuals and nations,
30. so that godless men should not ruleor ensnare the people.
31. Suppose someone says to God,“I have endured my punishment;I will no longer act wickedly.
32. Teach me what I cannot see;if I have done wrong, I won’t do it again.”
33. Should God repay you on your termswhen you have rejected His?You must choose, not I!So declare what you know.
34. Reasonable men will say to me,along with the wise men who hear me,
35. “Job speaks without knowledge; his words are without insight.”
36. If only Job were tested to the limit,because his answers are like those of wicked men.