Eliphaz Speaks a Third Time

1Then in response, Eliphaz from Teman said:

2“Can a human being be useful to God,

since he, who is wise, is sufficient to himself?

3Will it please the Almighty if you are innocent,

or does he profit if your life isa blameless?

4Will he acquit you just because you fear him,

and render a verdict on your behalf?

5Your wickedness is great, isn’t it?

There’s no limit to your iniquity, is there?

6“After all, you’ve taken collateral from your relatives for no reason;

you stripped the naked of their clothing.b

7You’ve neglected to give water to the weary,c

and you’ve withheld food from the hungry.

8The land belongs to the powerful,

and the privilegedd thrive in it.

9You sent away widows empty-handed,

and broke the outstretched arms of orphans.

10That’s why disaster surrounds you,

terror suddenly overwhelms you,

11you see nothing but darkness,

and a flood of troublese drowns you.”

Eliphaz Acknowledges God but Issues an Imprecatory Prayer

12“Isn’t God in heaven above?

Consider how far away the stars are,

and how lofty they are!

13You’ve asked, ‘What does God know?

Can he sort through pitch black darkness?’f

14Thick clouds cover him so he can’t see

as he walks back and forth at heaven’s horizon.

15“Will you keep walking on the traditional path

that sinnersg have tread,

16who were snatched away before their time;

when their foundation was swept away by a river?

17They told God, ‘Get away from us!’

and ‘What will the Almighty do to them?’

18“Though Godh fills their houses with good things,

the counsel of the wicked will remain far from me.

19The righteous will see this and rejoice;

the innocent will insult him, saying,i

20‘Our enemies are sure to be destroyed,

and fire will burn up what’s left of their riches.”

Eliphaz Challenges Job to Repent

21“Get to know God, and you’ll be at peace with him,

and then prosperity will come to you.

22Accept what he has to teach you,

and treasure his words in your heart.

23“If you return to the Almighty you’ll be restored,

as you remove iniquity from your household.j

24Bury your gold nuggets in the dust,

and your source of goldk among the stones in a streambed,

25and then the Almighty will be your gold

and your refined silver.

26“Then you’ll take delight in the Almighty;

and will turn your face toward God.

27You’ll entreat him and he’ll listen to you

as you fulfill your vows.

28When you make a decision on something,

it will be established for you,

and light will brightenl your way.

29“For when they’re humbled, you may respond;m

‘It’s their pride!’

but he delivers the humble.

30He’ll even deliver the guilty,

who will be delivered through your innocence.”n