2. Hear my discourse, you that are wise;you that have knowledge, listen to me!
3. For the ear tests words,as the palate tastes food.
4. Let us choose what is right;let us determine among ourselves what is good.
5. For Job has said, “I am innocent,but God has taken away what is my right.
6. I declare the judgment on me to be a lie;my arrow-wound is incurable, sinless though I am.”
7. What man is like Job?He drinks in blasphemies like water,
8. Keeps company with evildoersand goes along with the wicked,
9. When he says, “There is no profitin pleasing God.”
10. Therefore, you that have understanding, hear me:far be it from God to do wickedness;far from the Almighty to do wrong!
11. Rather, he requites mortals for their conduct,and brings home to them their way of life.
12. Surely, God cannot act wickedly,the Almighty cannot pervert justice.
13. Who gave him charge over the earth,or who set all the world in its place?
14. If he were to set his mind to it,gather to himself his spirit and breath,
15. All flesh would perish together,and mortals return to dust.
16. Now you—understand, hear this!Listen to the words I speak!
17. Can an enemy of justice be in control,will you condemn the supreme Just One,