2Hear my words, O you^2f wise [men]; and give ear unto me, you^2f that have knowledge.

3For the ear tries words, as the mouth tastes meat.

4Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.

5For Iyov [hated] has said, I am righteous: and God-Elohim (The Living Word) [The Many Powered] has taken away my judgment.

6Should I lie against my right? my wound [is] incurable without transgression.

7What man [is] like Iyov [hated], [who] drink up scorning like water?

8Which goes in company with the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked men.

9For he has said, It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God-Elohim (The Living Word) [The Many Powered].

10Therefore hearken unto me, you^2f men of understanding: far be it from God-El [The Powerful Living Word] [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.

11For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to [his] ways.

12Yes, surely God-Elohim (The Living Word) [The Many Powered] will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

13Who has given him a charge over the earth? or who has disposed the whole world?

14If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

15All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

16If now [youⁱ have] understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.

17Shall even he that hates right govern? and will youⁱ condemn him that is most just?

18[Is it fit] to say to a king, [youⁱ are] wicked? [and] to princes, [You^2f are] ungodly?

19[How much less to him] that accepts not the persons of princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

20In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

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

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

23For he will not lay upon man more [than right]; that he should enter into judgment with God-Elohim (The Living Word) [The Many Powered].

24He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.

25Therefore he knows their works, and he overturns [them] in the night, so that they are destroyed.

26He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others;

27Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:

28So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he hears the cry of the afflicted.

29When he gives quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hides [his] face, who then can behold him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man only:

30That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

31Surely it is meet to be said unto God-Elohim (The Living Word) [The Many Powered], I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend (make angry; make one stumble; violate) [any more]:

32[That which] I see not teach youⁱ me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

33[Should it be] according to youⁱ mind? he will recompense it, whether youⁱ refuse, or whether youⁱ choose; and not I: therefore speak what youⁱ know.

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

35Iyov [hated] has spoken without knowledge, and his words [were] without wisdom.

36My desire [is that] Iyov [hated] may be tried unto the end because of [his] answers for wicked men.

37For he adds rebellion unto his sin, he claps [his hands] among us, and multiplies his words against God-El [The Powerful Living Word].