2“Can a man be useful to God, as he that is wise may be profitable to himself? 3Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous? Or is it of benefit to Him, that you make your ways perfect? 4Is it because you are so pious that He brings charges against you in judgment? 5Is your wickedness not great, and your iniquity endless?

6For you have taken a pledge from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing. 7You have denied the weary drinking, and the hungry food. 8But powerful man owns the earth; and the honorable man dwell in it. 9You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. 10Therefore, snares are round about you, and sudden fear troubles you; 11Or darkness, so that you cannot see; and a flood of waters cover you.

12Is not God in the height of heaven? And behold how high the stars are! 13And you say, ‘How does God know? Can He judge through the dark cloud? 14Thick clouds are a covering to Him, that He sees not; and He walks in the circuit of heaven.’ 15Have you marked the paths that wicked men of old have traveled? 16They were cut down before their time, their foundation was washed away with a flood; 17They who said to God, ‘Depart from us? And what can the Almighty do to or for us?’ 18Still He filled their houses with good things; but God forbid that I should ever subscribe to such wicked counsel as that! 19The righteous see them destroyed, and laugh them to scorn. 20Whereas our substance is not cut down, what remains of theirs the fire consumes.

21Be reconciled now with God, and be at peace; and good shall come unto you. 22Receive, I pray you, the law from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart. 23If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up; you shall put away iniquity far from your tents. 24Then shall you lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. 25Yea, the Almighty shall be your defense, and you shall have plenty of silver. 26For then shall you have your delight in the Almighty, and shall lift your face unto God. 27You shall pray to Him, and He shall hear you, and you shall pay your vows. 28You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto you; and the light shall shine upon your ways. 29When men are cast down, then you shall say, ‘There is Someone Who will lift you up’; and He shall save the humble person. 30He shall even deliver the one who is not innocent; rescued by the cleanness of your hands.”