Study Desk

"Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you.

"For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food.

"Let us choose for ourselves what is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good.

"For Job has said, 'I am righteous, But God has taken away my right;

"For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing When he is pleased with God.'

"For He pays a man according to his work, And makes him find it according to his way.

Who shows no partiality to princes Nor regards the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands?

"For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, And He sees all his steps.

"For He does not need to consider a man further, That he should go before God in judgment.

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 chastisement; I will not offend anymore;

"Shall He recompense on your terms, because you have rejected 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.'"

"For you say, 'What advantage will it be to You? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?'

"Your wickedness is for a man like yourself, And your righteousness is for a son of man.

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

"How much less when you say you do not behold Him, The case is before Him, and you must wait for Him!

"Wait for me a little, and I will show you That there is yet more to be said in God's behalf.

"For truly my words are not false; One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

"But the godless in heart lay up anger; They do not cry for help when He binds them.