God

For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices.

He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings

to turn a man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,

to be gracious to him and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found his ransom,’

He prays to God and finds favor; he sees God’s face and shouts for joy, and God restores His righteousness to that man.

Behold, all these things God does to a man, two or even three times,

For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice.

For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’

Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.

For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.

Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.

Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?

If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath,

Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One,

who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step.

For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment.

Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways.

They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.

But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation,

Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more.

Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’

Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed His? You must choose, not I; so tell me what you know.

For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”