Chapter 22

  Then Eliphaz the Temanite made answer and said,  

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  Is it possible for a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to himself.  

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  Is it of any interest to the Ruler of all that you are upright? or is it of use to him that your ways are without sin?  

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  Is it because you give him honour that he is sending punishment on you and is judging you?  

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  Is not your evil-doing great? and there is no end to your sins.  

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  For you have taken your brother's goods when he was not in your debt, and have taken away the clothing of those who have need of it.  

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  You do not give water to the tired traveller, and from him who has no food you keep back bread.  

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  For it was the man with power who had the land, and the man with an honoured name who was living in it.  

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  You have sent widows away without hearing their cause, and you have taken away the support of the child who has no father.  

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  For this cause nets are round your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear.  

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  Your light is made dark so that you are unable to see, and you are covered by a mass of waters.  

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  Is not God as high as heaven? and see the stars, how high they are!  

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  And you say, What knowledge has God? is he able to give decisions through the deep dark?  

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  Thick clouds are covering him, so that he is unable to see; and he is walking on the arch of heaven.  

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  Will you keep the old way by which evil men went?  

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  Who were violently taken away before their time, who were overcome by the rush of waters:  

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  Who said to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us?  

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  Though he made their houses full of good things: but the purpose of the evil-doers is far from me!  

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  The upright saw it and were glad: and those who had done no wrong made sport of them,  

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  Saying, Truly, their substance is cut off, and their wealth is food for the fire.  

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  Put yourself now in a right relation with him and be at peace: so will you do well in your undertakings.  

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  Be pleased to take teaching from his mouth, and let his words be stored up in your heart.  

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  If you come back to the Ruler of all, making yourself low before him; if you put evil far away from your tents;  

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  And put your gold in the dust, even your gold of Ophir among the rocks of the valleys;  

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  Then the Ruler of all will be your gold, and his teaching will be your silver;  

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  For then you will have delight in the Ruler of all, and your face will be lifted up to God.  

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  You will make your prayer to him, and be answered; and you will give effect to your oaths.  

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  Your purposes will come about, and light will be shining on your ways.  

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  For God makes low those whose hearts are lifted up, but he is a saviour to the poor in spirit.  

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  He makes safe the man who is free from sin, and if your hands are clean, salvation will be yours.  

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