7. What man is like Job?He drinks derision like water.
8. He keeps company with evildoersand walks with wicked men.
9. For he has said, “A man gains nothingwhen he becomes God’s friend.”
10. Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding.It is impossible for God to do wrong,and for the Almighty to act unjustly.
11. For He repays a person according to his deeds,and He brings his ways on him.
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.