Study Desk

"Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say.

For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.

For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.

"Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you, for God is greater than man.

For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.

If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him,

If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you.

for the ear tests words as the palate tastes food.

For Job has said, ‘I am in the right, and God has taken away my right;

For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God.'

For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him.

who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

"For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.

For God has no need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment.

He strikes them for their wickedness in a place for all to see,

because they turned aside from following him and had no regard for any of his ways,

"For has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne punishment; I will not offend any more;

Will he then make repayment to suit you, because you reject it? For you must choose, and not I; therefore declare what you know.

For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."

"Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty.