[2] Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
[2] ---
[3] For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
[3] ---
[4] Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
[4] ---
[5] For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
[5] ---
[6] Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
[6] ---
[7] What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
[7] ---
[8] Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
[8] ---
[9] For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
[9] ---
[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.
[10] ---
[11] For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
[11] ---
[12] Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
[12] ---
[13] Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
[13] ---
[14] If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
[14] ---
[15] All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
[15] ---
[16] If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
[16] ---
[17] Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
[17] ---
[18] Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
[18] ---
[19] How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
[19] ---
[20] In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
[20] ---
[21] For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
[21] ---
[22] There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
[22] ---
[23] For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
[23] ---
[24] He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
[24] ---
[25] Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
[25] ---
[26] He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
[26] ---
[27] Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
[27] ---
[28] So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
[28] ---
[29] When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
[29] ---
[30] That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.
[30] ---
[31] Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
[31] ---
[32] That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
[32] ---
[33] Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.
[33] ---
[34] Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
[34] ---
[35] Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
[35] ---
[36] My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
[36] ---
[37] For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
