[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite made answer and said, [2] Is it possible for
a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to
himself. [3] Is it of any interest to the Ruler of all that you are
upright? or is it of use to him that your ways are without sin? [4] Is it
because you give him honour that he is sending punishment on you and is
judging you? [5] Is not your evil-doing great? and there is no end to your
sins. [6] For you have taken your brother's goods when he was not in your
debt, and have taken away the clothing of those who have need of it. [7]
You do not give water to the tired traveller, and from him who has no food
you keep back bread. [8] For it was the man with power who had the land,
and the man with an honoured name who was living in it. [9] You have sent
widows away without hearing their cause, and you have taken away the
support of the child who has no father. [10] For this cause nets are round
your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear. [11] Your light is made
dark so that you are unable to see, and you are covered by a mass of
waters. [12] Is not God as high as heaven? and see the stars, how high they
are! [13] And you say, What knowledge has God? is he able to give decisions
through the deep dark? [14] Thick clouds are covering him, so that he is
unable to see; and he is walking on the arch of heaven. [15] Will you keep
the old way by which evil men went? [16] Who were violently taken away
before their time, who were overcome by the rush of waters: [17] Who said
to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us?
[18] Though he made their houses full of good things: but the purpose of
the evil-doers is far from me! [19] The upright saw it and were glad: and
those who had done no wrong made sport of them, [20] Saying, Truly, their
substance is cut off, and their wealth is food for the fire. [21] Put
yourself now in a right relation with him and be at peace: so will you do
well in your undertakings. [22] Be pleased to take teaching from his mouth,
and let his words be stored up in your heart. [23] If you come back to the
Ruler of all, making yourself low before him; if you put evil far away from
your tents; [24] And put your gold in the dust, even your gold of Ophir
among the rocks of the valleys; [25] Then the Ruler of all will be your
gold, and his teaching will be your silver; [26] For then you will have
delight in the Ruler of all, and your face will be lifted up to God. [27]
You will make your prayer to him, and be answered; and you will give effect
to your oaths. [28] Your purposes will come about, and light will be
shining on your ways. [29] For God makes low those whose hearts are lifted
up, but he is a saviour to the poor in spirit. [30] He makes safe the man
who is free from sin, and if your hands are clean, salvation will be yours.