Study Desk

"Behold, I will not make you afraid or terrified of me [for I am only mortal and not God], Nor should any pressure from me weigh heavily upon you.

"Look, let me answer you, in this you are not right or just; For God is greater and far superior to man.

"For God speaks once, And even twice, yet no one notices it [including you, Job].

"If there is an angel as a mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To explain to a man what is right for him [that is, how to be in right standing with God],

Then the angel is gracious to him, and says, 'Spare him from going down to the pit [of destruction]; I have found a ransom [a consideration, or reason for redemption, an atonement]!'

"He will pray to God, and He shall be favorable to him, So that he looks at His face with joy; For God restores to man His righteousness [that is, his right standing with God—with its joys].

"He sings out to other men, 'I have sinned and perverted that which was right, And it was not proper for me!

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

"For the ear puts words to the test As the palate tastes food.

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

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

"For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing When he takes delight and is pleased with God and obeys Him.'

"For God pays a man according to his work, And He will make every man find [appropriate] compensation according to his way.

"Who is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands.

"For God's eyes are on the ways of a man, And He sees all his steps.

"For He sets no appointed time for a man, That he should appear before Him in judgment.

Because they turned aside from following Him And would not consider or show regard for any of His ways,

"So that godless men would not rule Nor be snares for the people.

"For has anyone said to God, 'I have endured my chastisement; I will not offend anymore;

"Shall God's retribution [for your sins] be on your terms, because you refuse to accept it? For you must do the choosing, and not I; Therefore say what you [truthfully] know.