25. This is because God knows what people do.He defeats them in the night, and they are crushed.
26. He punishes them for the evil things they do.He does it so that everyone else can watch.
27. This is because they stopped following God.They did not care about any of his ways.
28. God lets the cry of poor people reach him.He hears the cry of the needy.
29. But if God keeps quiet, who can blame him?If he hides his face, no one can see him.But God still rules over both men and nations.
30. He still keeps wicked men from ruling.And he keeps them from trapping others.
31. “But suppose such a man says to God,‘I am guilty, but I will not sin anymore.
32. Teach me what I cannot see.If I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’
33. So, Job, should God reward you the way you wantwhen you will not change your heart and life?You must decide, not I.So tell me what you know.
34. “Men who understand speak.And wise men who hear me say,
35. ‘Job speaks without knowing what is true.His words show he does not understand.’
36. I wish Job would be tested completelybecause he answered like an evil man!
37. Job has sinned, and now he turns against God.He claps his hands as an insult.And he speaks more and more against God.”