Lo, God is great, and we comprehend him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.

For he draweth up the drops of water: they distil in rain from the vapour which he formeth,

Even so would he have allured thee out of the jaws of distress into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and the supply of thy table would be full of fatness.

Lo, God is exalted in his power: who teacheth as he?

If they hearken and serve him, they shall accomplish their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

But he delivereth the afflicted in his affliction, and openeth their ear in their oppression.

And Elihu proceeded and said,

Lo, God is mighty, but despiseth not any; mighty in strength of understanding:

He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne doth he even set them for ever; and they are exalted.

But the godless in heart heap up anger; they cry not when he bindeth them:

And if, bound in fetters, they be held in cords of affliction,

Because there is wrath, beware lest it take thee away through chastisement: then a great ransom could not avail thee.

Remember that thou magnify his work, which men celebrate.

Their soul dieth in youth, and their life is among the unclean.

For with them he judgeth the peoples; he giveth food in abundance.

And he openeth their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

His hands he covereth with lightning, and commandeth it where it is to strike.

For truly my words shall be no falsehood: one perfect in knowledge is with thee.

But if they hearken not, they shall pass away by the sword, and expire without knowledge.

His thundering declareth concerning him; the cattle even, concerning its coming.

But can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the crashing of his pavilion?

Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet words for +God.

I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Creator.

Which the skies pour down and drop upon man abundantly.

Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions, because they have increased.

He saveth not the wicked alive; but he doeth justice to the afflicted.

All men look at it; man beholdeth it afar off.

Take heed, turn not to iniquity; for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.

Will he esteem thy riches? Not gold, nor all the resources of strength!

But thou art full of the judgments of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.

Lo, he spreadeth his light around him, and covereth the bottom of the sea.

Who hath appointed him his way? or who hath said, Thou hast wrought unrighteousness?

Desire not the night, when peoples are cut off from their place.