3. For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
4. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
5. “Job says, ‘I am innocent, but God denies me justice.
6. Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.’
7. Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water?
8. He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked.
9. For he says, ‘There is no profit in trying to please God.’
10. “So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.
11. He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves.
12. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
13. Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?
14. If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
15. all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.
16. “If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.
17. Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?
18. Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’
19. who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?
20. They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.
21. “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.
22. There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide.