¹ Then Eliphaz the Temanite made answer and said,

^{2 Ref} Is it possible for a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to himself.

^{3 Ref} 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?

^{4 Ref} Is it because you give him honour that he is sending punishment on you and is judging you?

^{5 Ref} Is not your evil-doing great? and there is no end to your sins.

^{6 Ref} 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.

^{7 Ref} You do not give water to the tired traveller, and from him who has no food you keep back bread.

^{8 Ref} For it was the man with power who had the land, and the man with an honoured name who was living in it.

^{9 Ref} You have sent widows away without hearing their cause, and you have taken away the support of the child who has no father.

^{10 Ref} For this cause nets are round your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear.

^{11 Ref} Your light is made dark so that you are unable to see, and you are covered by a mass of waters.

^{12 Ref} Is not God as high as heaven? and see the stars, how high they are!

^{13 Ref} And you say, What knowledge has God? is he able to give decisions through the deep dark?

^{14 Ref} Thick clouds are covering him, so that he is unable to see; and he is walking on the arch of heaven.

^{15 Ref} Will you keep the old way by which evil men went?

^{16 Ref} Who were violently taken away before their time, who were overcome by the rush of waters:

^{17 Ref} Who said to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us?

^{18 Ref} Though he made their houses full of good things: but the purpose of the evil-doers is far from me!

^{19 Ref} The upright saw it and were glad: and those who had done no wrong made sport of them,

^{20 Ref} Saying, Truly, their substance is cut off, and their wealth is food for the fire.

^{21 Ref} Put yourself now in a right relation with him and be at peace: so will you do well in your undertakings.

^{22 Ref} Be pleased to take teaching from his mouth, and let his words be stored up in your heart.

^{23 Ref} If you come back to the Ruler of all, making yourself low before him; if you put evil far away from your tents;

^{24 Ref} And put your gold in the dust, even your gold of Ophir among the rocks of the valleys;

^{25 Ref} Then the Ruler of all will be your gold, and his teaching will be your silver;

^{26 Ref} For then you will have delight in the Ruler of all, and your face will be lifted up to God.

^{27 Ref} You will make your prayer to him, and be answered; and you will give effect to your oaths.

^{28 Ref} Your purposes will come about, and light will be shining on your ways.

^{29 Ref} For God makes low those whose hearts are lifted up, but he is a saviour to the poor in spirit.

^{30 Ref} He makes safe the man who is free from sin, and if your hands are clean, salvation will be yours.