I was a father to the needy, and I investigated the case of the person I did not know;

After I had spoken, they did not respond; my words fell on them drop by drop.

They detest me and maintain their distance; they do not hesitate to spit in my face.

They destroy my path; they succeed in destroying me without anyone assisting them.

Night pierces my bones; my gnawing pains never cease.

Have I not wept for the unfortunate? Was not my soul grieved for the poor?

whose heart did not bless me as he warmed himself with the fleece of my sheep,

For the calamity from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his majesty I was powerless.

But no stranger had to spend the night outside, for I opened my doors to the traveler –

Surely I would wear it proudly on my shoulder, I would bind it on me like a crown;

So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom! God will refute him, not man!’

Job has not directed his words to me, and so I will not reply to him with your arguments.

“They are dismayed and cannot answer any more; they have nothing left to say.

Inside I am like wine which has no outlet, like new wineskins ready to burst!

for I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.

Why do you contend against him, that he does not answer all a person’s words?

“For God speaks, the first time in one way, the second time in another, though a person does not perceive it.

His flesh wastes away from sight, and his bones, which were not seen, are easily visible.

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

He shatters the great without inquiry, and sets up others in their place.