Because God has untied my tent cord and afflicted me, people throw off all restraint in my presence.

I know that you are bringing me to death, to the meeting place for all the living.

For I would have committed a shameful act, an iniquity to be judged.

but from my youth I raised the orphan like a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow!

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

if I looked at the sun when it was shining, and the moon advancing as a precious thing,

then this also would be iniquity to be judged, for I would have been false to God above.

If I have rejoiced over the misfortune of my enemy or exulted because calamity found him –

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.

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.