4. Let us choose justice for ourselves;Let us know among ourselves what is good.
5. “For Job has said, ‘I am righteous,But God has taken away my justice;
6. Should I lie concerning my right?My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’
7. What man is like Job,Who drinks scorn like water,
8. Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity,And walks with wicked men?
9. For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothingThat he should delight in God.’
10. “Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding:Far be it from God to do wickedness,And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.
11. For He repays man according to his work,And makes man to find a reward according to his way.
12. Surely God will never do wickedly,Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.
13. Who gave Him charge over the earth?Or who appointed Him over the whole world?
14. If He should set His heart on it,If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,
15. All flesh would perish together,And man would return to dust.
16. “If you have understanding, hear this;Listen to the sound of my words:
17. Should one who hates justice govern?Will you condemn Him who is most just?
18. Is it fitting to say to a king, ‘You are worthless,’And to nobles, ‘You are wicked’?
19. Yet He is not partial to princes,Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor;For they are all the work of His hands.