Job 34:2-22

2“Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning.

3For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.

4Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

5“Job says, ‘I am innocent, but God denies me justice.

6Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.’

7Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water?

8He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked.

9For he says, ‘There is no profit in trying to please God.’

10“So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.

11He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves.

12It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.

13Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?

14If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,

15all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.

16“If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.

17Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?

18Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

19who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

20They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

21“His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

22There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide.