Job 34:10-20

New International Reader's Version

¹⁰ “So listen to me, you men who have understanding.
    God would never do what is evil.
    The Mighty One would never do what is wrong.
¹¹ He pays back everyone for what they’ve done.
    He gives them exactly what they should get.
¹² It isn’t possible for God to do wrong.
    The Mighty One would never treat people unfairly.
¹³ Who appointed him to rule over the earth?
    Who put him in charge of the whole world?
¹⁴ If he really wanted to,
    he could hold back his spirit and breath.
¹⁵ Then everyone would die together.
    They would return to the dust.

¹⁶ “Job, if you have understanding, listen to me.
    Pay attention to what I’m saying.
¹⁷ Can someone who hates to be fair govern?
    Will you bring charges against the holy and mighty God?
¹⁸ He says to kings, ‘You are worthless.’
    He says to nobles, ‘You are evil.’
¹⁹ He doesn’t favor princes.
    He treats rich people and poor people the same.
    His hands created all of them.
²⁰ They die suddenly in the middle of the night.
    God strikes them down, and they pass away.
    Even people who are mighty are removed, but not by human hands.