9. For he said, It shall profit a man nothing that he should conform his will with God.
10. Therefore, hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
11. For he shall pay man according to his work and cause every man to find according to his ways.
12. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13. Who visited the earth for him? And who set the whole world in order?
14. If he were to set his heart upon man and gather unto himself his spirit and his breath,
15. all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again unto dust.
16. If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
17. Shall even he that hates judgment govern? And wilt thou condemn the Mighty One that is righteous?
18. Is it fit to say to the king, Thou art of Belial and to the princes, Ye are ungodly?
19. How much less to him who is not a respecter of the persons of princes, nor respects the rich more than the poor; for they all are the work of his hands.
20. In a moment they shall die, and the peoples shall be troubled at midnight and shall pass away; and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
21. For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he sees all his steps.
22. There is no darkness nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23. For he will not lay upon man more than that which is just; that he should enter into judgment with God.
24. He shall break in pieces mighty men without number and set others in their stead.