If you have any words, reply to me; speak, for I want to justify you.

For the ear assesses words as the mouth tastes food.

For Job says, ‘I am innocent, but God turns away my right.

For he says, ‘It does not profit a man when he makes his delight with God.’

For he repays a person for his work, and according to the conduct of a person, he causes the consequences to find him.

For his eyes are on the ways of an individual, he observes all a person’s steps.

“Has anyone said to God, ‘I have endured chastisement, but I will not act wrongly any more.

But you say, ‘What will it profit you,’ and, ‘What do I gain by not sinning?’

“Be patient with me a little longer and I will instruct you, for I still have words to speak on God’s behalf.

For in truth, my words are not false; it is one complete in knowledge who is with you.

And he reveals this for correction, and says that they must turn from evil.

The godless at heart nourish anger, they do not cry out even when he binds them.

Remember to extol his work, which people have praised in song.

He draws up drops of water; they distill the rain into its mist,

It is by these that he judges the nations and supplies food in abundance.

You know, for you were born before them; and the number of your days is great!

when they crouch in their dens, when they wait in ambush in the thicket?

Will you rely on it because its strength is great? Will you commit your labor to it?

Can you count on it to bring in your grain, and gather the grain to your threshing floor?

For she leaves her eggs on the ground, and lets them be warmed on the soil.