God

¶ For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.

He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

¶ Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,

For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.

For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

¶ Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

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

Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

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

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

Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?

How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

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

For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.

Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.

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

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

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

¶ Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:

That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.