9. For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.’
10. “Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
11. For the work of a man he will render to him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
12. Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
13. Who put him in charge of the earth? or who has appointed him over the whole world?
14. If he set his heart on himself, If he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath,
15. all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again to dust.
16. “If now you have understanding, hear this. Listen to the voice of my words.
17. Shall even one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty?—
18. Who says to a king, ‘Vile!’ or to nobles, ‘Wicked!’?
19. Who doesn’t respect 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 die, even at midnight. The people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are taken away without a hand.