“But if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I refrain from speaking – how much of it goes away?

and he contends with God on behalf of man as a man pleads for his friend.

‘Surely such is the residence of an evil man; and this is the place of one who has not known God.’”

Their houses are safe and without fear; and no rod of punishment from God is upon them.

“Why are times not appointed by the Almighty? Why do those who know him not see his days?

He locks the waters in his clouds, and the clouds do not burst with the weight of them.

He goes to bed wealthy, but will do so no more. When he opens his eyes, it is all gone.

Be careful that no one entices you with riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.

“Are you acquainted with the way the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch as the wild deer give birth to their young?

In excitement and impatience it consumes the ground; it cannot stand still when the trumpet is blown.

“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, and spreads its wings toward the south?

Would not his splendor terrify you and the fear he inspires fall on you?

Your own mouth condemns you, not I; your own lips testify against you.

Surely mockery is with me; my eyes must dwell on their hostility.

He will not look on the streams, the rivers, which are the torrents of honey and butter.

my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will whisper no deceit.

“But wisdom – where can it be found? Where is the place of understanding?

My heart is in turmoil unceasingly; the days of my affliction confront me.

Indeed, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?

Is not your piety your confidence, and your blameless ways your hope?