Job 34:1-20

New International Version

² “Hear my words, you wise men;
    listen to me,^(A) you men of learning.
³ For the ear tests words
    as the tongue tastes food.^(B)
4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right;^(C)
    let us learn together what is good.^(D)

⁵ “Job says, ‘I am innocent,^(E)
    but God denies me justice.^(F)
6 Although I am right,
    I am considered a liar;^(G)
although I am guiltless,^(H)
    his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.’^(I)
7 Is there anyone like Job,
    who drinks scorn like water?^(J)
8 He keeps company with evildoers;
    he associates with the wicked.^(K)
9 For he says, ‘There is no profit
    in trying to please God.’^(L)

¹⁰ “So listen to me,^(M) you men of understanding.^(N)
    Far be it from God to do evil,^(O)
    from the Almighty to do wrong.^(P)
11 He repays everyone for what they have done;^(Q)
    he brings on them what their conduct deserves.^(R)
12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,^(S)
    that the Almighty would pervert justice.^(T)
13 Who appointed^(U) him over the earth?
    Who put him in charge of the whole world?^(V)
14 If it were his intention
    and he withdrew his spirit^[a](W) and breath,^(X)
15 all humanity would perish^(Y) together
    and mankind would return to the dust.^(Z)

¹⁶ “If you have understanding,^(AA) hear this;
    listen to what I say.^(AB)
17 Can someone who hates justice govern?^(AC)
    Will you condemn the just and mighty One?^(AD)
18 Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’
    and to nobles,^(AE) ‘You are wicked,’^(AF)
19 who shows no partiality^(AG) to princes
    and does not favor the rich over the poor,^(AH)
    for they are all the work of his hands?^(AI)
20 They die in an instant, in the middle of the night;^(AJ)
    the people are shaken and they pass away;
    the mighty are removed without human hand.^(AK)