Study Desk

What has God above promised for people? What has the Almighty planned from on high?

It is ruin for evil people and disaster for those who do wrong.

"If I have desired another woman or have waited at my neighbor's door for his wife,

"I have never refused the appeals of the poor or let widows give up hope while looking for help.

I have not let anyone die for lack of clothes or let a needy person go without a coat.

I waited while you three spoke, and listened to your explanations. While you looked for words to use,

Now they are standing there with no answers for Job. Now that they are quiet, must I wait to speak?

"But there may be an angel to speak for him, one out of a thousand, who will tell him what to do.

The angel will beg for mercy and say: ‘Save him from death. I have found a way to pay for his life.'

That person will pray to God, and God will listen to him. He will see God's face and will shout with happiness. And God will set things right for him again.

so he won't die as punishment for his sins and so he may still enjoy life.

Let's decide for ourselves what is right, and let's learn together what is good.

"So listen to me, you who can understand. God can never do wrong! It is impossible for the Almighty to do evil.

God pays people back for what they have done and gives them what their actions deserve.

He does not set a time for people to come before him for judging.

He punishes them for the evil they do so that everyone else can watch,

"People cry out when they are in trouble; they beg for relief from powerful people.

He will listen to you even less when you say that you do not see him, that your case is before him, that you must wait for him,

"Listen to me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said for God.

"Those who have wicked hearts hold on to anger. Even when God punishes them, they do not cry for help.