International Standard Version | International Standard Version |
1Then in response, Eliphaz from Teman said: | 1Then in response, Eliphaz from Teman said: |
2"Can a human being be useful to God, since he, who is wise, is sufficient to himself? | 2"Can a human being be useful to God, since he, who is wise, is sufficient to himself? |
3Will it please the Almighty if you are innocent, or does he profit if your life is blameless? | 3Will it please the Almighty if you are innocent, or does he profit if your life is blameless? |
4Will he acquit you just because you fear him, and render a verdict on your behalf? | 4Will he acquit you just because you fear him, and render a verdict on your behalf? |
5Your wickedness is great, isn't it? There's no limit to your iniquity, is there? | 5Your wickedness is great, isn't it? There's no limit to your iniquity, is there? |
6"After all, you've taken collateral from your relatives for no reason; you stripped the naked of their clothing. | 6"After all, you've taken collateral from your relatives for no reason; you stripped the naked of their clothing. |
7You've neglected to give water to the weary, and you've withheld food from the hungry. | 7You've neglected to give water to the weary, and you've withheld food from the hungry. |
8The land belongs to the powerful, and the privileged thrive in it. | 8The land belongs to the powerful, and the privileged thrive in it. |
9You sent away widows empty-handed, and broke the outstretched arms of orphans. | 9You sent away widows empty-handed, and broke the outstretched arms of orphans. |
10That's why disaster surrounds you, terror suddenly overwhelms you, | 10That's why disaster surrounds you, terror suddenly overwhelms you, |
11you see nothing but darkness, and a flood of troubles drowns you." | 11you see nothing but darkness, and a flood of troubles drowns you." |
12"Isn't God in heaven above? Consider how far away the stars are, and how lofty they are! | 12"Isn't God in heaven above? Consider how far away the stars are, and how lofty they are! |
13You've asked, 'What does God know? Can he sort through pitch black darkness?' | 13You've asked, 'What does God know? Can he sort through pitch black darkness?' |
14Thick clouds cover him so he can't see as he walks back and forth at heaven's horizon. | 14Thick clouds cover him so he can't see as he walks back and forth at heaven's horizon. |
15"Will you keep walking on the traditional path that sinners have tread, | 15"Will you keep walking on the traditional path that sinners have tread, |
16who were snatched away before their time; when their foundation was swept away by a river? | 16who were snatched away before their time; when their foundation was swept away by a river? |
17They told God, 'Get away from us!' and 'What will the Almighty do to them?' | 17They told God, 'Get away from us!' and 'What will the Almighty do to them?' |
18"Though God fills their houses with good things, the counsel of the wicked will remain far from me. | 18"Though God fills their houses with good things, the counsel of the wicked will remain far from me. |
19The righteous will see this and rejoice; the innocent will insult him, saying, | 19The righteous will see this and rejoice; the innocent will insult him, saying, |
20Our enemies are sure to be destroyed, and fire will burn up what's left of their riches." | 20Our enemies are sure to be destroyed, and fire will burn up what's left of their riches." |
21"Get to know God, and you'll be at peace with him, and then prosperity will come to you. | 21"Get to know God, and you'll be at peace with him, and then prosperity will come to you. |
22Accept what he has to teach you, and treasure his words in your heart. | 22Accept what he has to teach you, and treasure his words in your heart. |
23"If you return to the Almighty you'll be restored, as you remove iniquity from your household. | 23"If you return to the Almighty you'll be restored, as you remove iniquity from your household. |
24Bury your gold nuggets in the dust, and your source of gold among the stones in a streambed, | 24Bury your gold nuggets in the dust, and your source of gold among the stones in a streambed, |
25and then the Almighty will be your gold and your refined silver. | 25and then the Almighty will be your gold and your refined silver. |
26"Then you'll take delight in the Almighty; and will turn your face toward God. | 26"Then you'll take delight in the Almighty; and will turn your face toward God. |
27You'll entreat him and he'll listen to you as you fulfill your vows. | 27You'll entreat him and he'll listen to you as you fulfill your vows. |
28When you make a decision on something, it will be established for you, and light will brighten your way. | 28When you make a decision on something, it will be established for you, and light will brighten your way. |
29"For when they're humbled, you may respond; 'It's their pride!' but he delivers the humble. | 29"For when they're humbled, you may respond; 'It's their pride!' but he delivers the humble. |
30He'll even deliver the guilty, who will be delivered through your innocence." | 30He'll even deliver the guilty, who will be delivered through your innocence." |
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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