Job 22:1 ←
Then Eliphaz the Temanite made answer and said,
Job 22:2 ←
Is it possible for a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to himself.
Job 22:3 ←
Is it of any interest to the Ruler of all that you are upright? or is it of use to him that your ways are without sin?
Job 22:4 ←
Is it because you give him honour that he is sending punishment on you and is judging you?
Job 22:5 ←
Is not your evil-doing great? and there is no end to your sins.
Job 22:6 ←
For you have taken your brother's goods when he was not in your debt, and have taken away the clothing of those who have need of it.
Job 22:7 ←
You do not give water to the tired traveller, and from him who has no food you keep back bread.
Job 22:8 ←
For it was the man with power who had the land, and the man with an honoured name who was living in it.
Job 22:9 ←
You have sent widows away without hearing their cause, and you have taken away the support of the child who has no father.
Job 22:10 ←
For this cause nets are round your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear.
Job 22:11 ←
Your light is made dark so that you are unable to see, and you are covered by a mass of waters.
Job 22:12 ←
Is not God as high as heaven? and see the stars, how high they are!
Job 22:13 ←
And you say, What knowledge has God? is he able to give decisions through the deep dark?
Job 22:14 ←
Thick clouds are covering him, so that he is unable to see; and he is walking on the arch of heaven.
Job 22:15 ←
Will you keep the old way by which evil men went?
Job 22:16 ←
Who were violently taken away before their time, who were overcome by the rush of waters:
Job 22:17 ←
Who said to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us?
Job 22:18 ←
Though he made their houses full of good things: but the purpose of the evil-doers is far from me!
Job 22:19 ←
The upright saw it and were glad: and those who had done no wrong made sport of them,
Job 22:20 ←
Saying, Truly, their substance is cut off, and their wealth is food for the fire.
Job 22:21 ←
Put yourself now in a right relation with him and be at peace: so will you do well in your undertakings.
Job 22:22 ←
Be pleased to take teaching from his mouth, and let his words be stored up in your heart.
Job 22:23 ←
If you come back to the Ruler of all, making yourself low before him; if you put evil far away from your tents;
Job 22:24 ←
And put your gold in the dust, even your gold of Ophir among the rocks of the valleys;
Job 22:25 ←
Then the Ruler of all will be your gold, and his teaching will be your silver;
Job 22:26 ←
For then you will have delight in the Ruler of all, and your face will be lifted up to God.
Job 22:27 ←
You will make your prayer to him, and be answered; and you will give effect to your oaths.
Job 22:28 ←
Your purposes will come about, and light will be shining on your ways.
Job 22:29 ←
For God makes low those whose hearts are lifted up, but he is a saviour to the poor in spirit.
Job 22:30 ←
He makes safe the man who is free from sin, and if your hands are clean, salvation will be yours.
Public Domain