1. Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied,
2. "Can any man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise man be of any help to him?
3. Job, what pleasure would it give the Mighty One if you were right? What would he get if you were completely honest?
4. "You say you have respect for him. Is that why he corrects you? Is that why he brings charges against you?
5. Haven't you done many evil things? Don't you sin again and again?
6. You took clothes away from your relatives just because they owed you some money. You left them naked for no reason at all.
7. You didn't give any water to people who were tired. You held food back from those who were hungry.
8. You did it even though you were honored and powerful. You owned land and lived on it.
9. But you sent widows away without anything. You mistreated children whose fathers had died.
10. That's why traps have been set all around you. That's why sudden danger terrifies you.
11. That's why it's so dark you can't even see. That's why a flood covers you up.
12. "Isn't God in the highest parts of heaven? See how high the highest stars are!
13. But you still say, 'What does God know? Can he see through the darkest clouds to judge us?
14. He goes around in the highest heavens. Thick clouds keep him from seeing us.'
15. Will you stay on the old path that sinful people have walked on?
16. They were carried off even before they died. Their foundations were washed away by a flood.
17. They said to God, 'Leave us alone! What can you do to us, you Mighty One?'
18. But he was the one who filled their houses with good things. So I don't pay any attention to the advice they give.
19. "Those who do what is right are joyful when they see sinners destroyed. Those who haven't done anything wrong make fun of them.
20. They say, 'Our enemies are completely destroyed. Fire has burned up their wealth.'
21. "Job, obey God and be at peace with him. Then he will help you succeed.
22. Do what he teaches you to do. Keep his words in your heart.
23. If you return to the Mighty One, you will have what you had before. But first you must remove everything that is evil far from your tent.
24. You must throw your gold nuggets away. You must toss your gold from Ophir into a valley.
25. Then the Mighty One himself will be your gold. He'll be like the finest silver to you.
26. You will find delight in the Mighty One. You will honor God and trust in him.
27. You will pray to him, and he will hear you. You will keep the promises you made to him.
28. What you decide to do will be done. Light will shine on the path you take.
29. When people are brought low you will say, 'Lift them up!' Then God will help them.
30. He'll even save those who are guilty. He'll save them because your hands are clean."