2Hear my words, O you wise men, and give ear to me, you that have knowledge.

3For the ear tries words, and the palate tastes food.

4Let us choose for us a judge; let him know among ourselves what is good.

5For Job has said, I am righteous; and God has turned aside my judgment.

6Who is the man who has perished without transgression?

7What man is like Job, who drinks up scorning like water?

8Who is a companion and friend of the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked men?

9For he has said that a man is not justified because he fears God.

10Therefore hearken to me, O you men of understanding; far be it from God that he should do wickedness; and far be it from him that he should commit iniquity.

11For he compensates a man according to his works, and causes every man to be rewarded according to his ways.

12Truly, God does not commit iniquity, neither does God pervert justice.

13Who has control over the earth? Or who has made all the world?

14If he should turn his heart against man, man's spirit and his breath will be gathered to him.

15Then all flesh would perish together, and man would return again to dust.

16If now you have understanding, hear this; hearken to the voice of my words.

17He who hates justice cannot be declared innocent, and he who is innocent will not be condemned justly;

18He who says concerning the king that he is wicked, and yet he is a good ruler over princes and governors;

19And not partial to princes, and does not discriminate against the poor (for they are all the work of his hands);

20In a moment shall he die, and he shall be consumed at midnight, and pass away; he will be rendered powerless by the Almighty.

21For his eyes are upon all the ways of man, and he sees all his goings.

22There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23For he has not set a time for a man that he should enter into judgment with God.

24For he has brought misfortune to many men without number, and sets others in their places.

25Therefore he knows them by their works, and he overturns them in the night.

26Their works shall be crushed under the weight of their wickedness in a land of terror;

27Because they turned aside from following him, and did not consider any of his ways.

28The prayer of the poor comes to him, and he hears the cry of the afflicted.

29When he forgives, who then can condemn? And when he turns his face away, who can forgive the people, or mankind altogether?

30He sees to it that an impious and wicked man shall not reign over the people.

31For God has said, I have forgiven, I will not destroy men who are without sin.

32Inform me now, teach me, if you have committed iniquity;

33I will not answer you any more, because you have sinned, for you have been examined, and not I; therefore speak out what you know.

34Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken to me.

35Job has spoken without knowledge, and his words are without understanding.

36Truly, Job has been tested to the end, and yet he is not counted among the wicked.

37And if Job should add to his sins, then his transgression will affect us all, and he still will bring his complaint before God.