| 22:1 |
Then Eliphaz the Temanite made answer and said, |
| 22:2 |
Is it possible for a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to himself. |
| 22:3 |
Is it of any interest to the Ruler of all that you are upright? or is it of use to him that your ways are without sin? |
| 22:4 |
Is it because you give him honour that he is sending punishment on you and is judging you? |
| 22:5 |
Is not your evil-doing great? and there is no end to your sins. |
| 22:6 |
For you have taken your brother's goods when he was not in your debt, and have taken away the clothing of those who have need of it. |
| 22:7 |
You do not give water to the tired traveller, and from him who has no food you keep back bread. |
| 22:8 |
For it was the man with power who had the land, and the man with an honoured name who was living in it. |
| 22:9 |
You have sent widows away without hearing their cause, and you have taken away the support of the child who has no father. |
| 22:10 |
For this cause nets are round your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear. |
| 22:11 |
Your light is made dark so that you are unable to see, and you are covered by a mass of waters. |
| 22:12 |
Is not God as high as heaven? and see the stars, how high they are! |
| 22:13 |
And you say, What knowledge has God? is he able to give decisions through the deep dark? |
| 22:14 |
Thick clouds are covering him, so that he is unable to see; and he is walking on the arch of heaven. |
| 22:15 |
Will you keep the old way by which evil men went? |
| 22:16 |
Who were violently taken away before their time, who were overcome by the rush of waters: |
| 22:17 |
Who said to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us? |
| 22:18 |
Though he made their houses full of good things: but the purpose of the evil-doers is far from me! |
| 22:19 |
The upright saw it and were glad: and those who had done no wrong made sport of them, |
| 22:20 |
Saying, Truly, their substance is cut off, and their wealth is food for the fire. |
| 22:21 |
Put yourself now in a right relation with him and be at peace: so will you do well in your undertakings. |
| 22:22 |
Be pleased to take teaching from his mouth, and let his words be stored up in your heart. |
| 22:23 |
If you come back to the Ruler of all, making yourself low before him; if you put evil far away from your tents; |
| 22:24 |
And put your gold in the dust, even your gold of Ophir among the rocks of the valleys; |
| 22:25 |
Then the Ruler of all will be your gold, and his teaching will be your silver; |
| 22:26 |
For then you will have delight in the Ruler of all, and your face will be lifted up to God. |
| 22:27 |
You will make your prayer to him, and be answered; and you will give effect to your oaths. |
| 22:28 |
Your purposes will come about, and light will be shining on your ways. |
| 22:29 |
For God makes low those whose hearts are lifted up, but he is a saviour to the poor in spirit. |
| 22:30 |
He makes safe the man who is free from sin, and if your hands are clean, salvation will be yours. |
