4. Job, I am telling the truth. I know what I am talking about.
5. “God is very powerful, but he does not hate people. He is very powerful, but he is also very wise.
6. He will not let evil people live. He brings justice to the poor.
7. He watches over those who live right. He lets them rule in high places.
8. So if people are punished, if they are tied with chains and ropes, they did something wrong.
9. And God will tell them what they did, that they sinned and were proud.
10. He will force them to listen to his warning. He will command them to stop sinning.
11. If they serve and obey him, he will make them successful and they will live a happy life.
12. But if they refuse to obey him, they will be destroyed. They will die like fools.
13. “People who don’t care about God are always bitter. Even when he punishes them, they refuse to pray to him for help.
14. They will die while they are still young, like the male prostitutes.
15. God saves those who suffer by using their suffering. He uses their troubles to speak in a way that makes them listen.
16. “In fact, God wants to help you out of your troubles. He wants to take away your burdens that are crushing you. He wants to load your table with plenty of food.
17. But you are full of this talk about guilt, judgment, and justice!