Study Desk

For He knows their works. He puts them down in the night, and they are crushed.

God punishes them for their sin where everyone can see them.

So men without God should not rule and should not be a trap for the people.

"For has any one said to God, ‘I have suffered punishment, and will not cause any more trouble?

For you ask, ‘What will You get by it? How will it be better for me than if I had sinned?'

"People cry out because of their many hard times. They cry for help because of the arm of the powerful.

For sure God will not listen to an empty cry. The All-powerful will not do anything about it.

How much less when you say you do not see Him, that your trial is before Him, and you must wait for Him!

And now, because God has not punished in His anger, and does not watch for sin,

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

For sure my words are not false. One who is perfect in much learning is with you.

"But those who do not know God keep anger in their heart. They do not cry for help when He puts them in chains.

Be careful or anger will tempt you to laugh at the truth. Do not take pay in secret for wrong-doing and be turned aside.

Be careful, do not turn to sin. For you have chosen this instead of suffering.

For He takes up the drops of water that become rain,

For by these He judges the people and He gives much food.

For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,' and to the rain, ‘Be strong.'

He causes it to happen for punishment, or for His world, or because of His love.

We cannot come near the All-powerful. He is lifted high with power. And He is right and fair and good and will not make it hard for us.

So men honor Him with fear. He has respect for any who are wise in heart."