“Behold, how happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves,
So do not despise or reject the discipline of the Almighty [subjecting you to trial and suffering].

Because the arrows of the Almighty are within me,
My spirit drinks their poison;
The terrors of God are arrayed against me.

“For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend;
So that he does not abandon (turn away from) the fear of the Almighty.

“Does God pervert justice?
Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness?

“If you would [diligently] seek God
And implore the compassion and favor of the Almighty,

“Can you discover the depths of God?
Can you [by searching] discover the limits of the Almighty [ascend to His heights, extend to His widths, and comprehend His infinite perfection]?

“But I wish to speak to the Almighty,
And I desire to argue with God.

“Because he has stretched out his hand against God
And behaves arrogantly against the Almighty,

‘Who [and what] is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?
And what would we gain if we plead with Him?’

“Let his own eyes see his destruction,
And let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

“Is it any pleasure or joy to the Almighty that you are righteous?
Or is it of benefit to Him that you make your ways perfect?

“They said to God, ‘Depart from us!
What can the Almighty do for us or to us?’

“If you return to the Almighty [and submit and humble yourself before Him], you will be built up [and restored];
If you remove unrighteousness far from your tents,

And make the Almighty your gold
And your precious silver,

Then you will have delight in the Almighty,
And you will lift up your face to God.

“For God has made my heart faint,
And the Almighty has terrified me,

“Why does the Almighty not set seasons for judgment?
Why do those who know Him not see His days [for punishment of the wicked]?

“As God lives, who has taken away my right and denied me justice,
And the Almighty, who has caused bitterness and grief for my soul,

“Will he take delight in the Almighty?
Will he call on God at all times?

“I will teach you regarding the hand (power) of God;
I will not conceal what is with the Almighty [God’s actual treatment of the wicked].

“This [which I am about to explain] is the portion of a wicked man from God,
And the inheritance which tyrants and oppressors receive from the Almighty:

When the Almighty was still with me
And my boys were around me,

“For what is the portion I would have from God above,
And what heritage from the Almighty on high?

“Oh, that I had one to listen to me!
Look, here is my signature (mark);
Let the Almighty answer me!
Let my adversary write out His indictment [and put His vague accusations in tangible form].

“But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man,
And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

“The Spirit of God has made me,
And the breath of the Almighty gives me life [which inspires me].

“Therefore hear me, you men of understanding.
Far be it from God that He would do wickedness,
And from the Almighty to do wrong.

“Surely God will not act wickedly,
Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.

“Surely God will not listen to an empty cry [which lacks trust],
Nor will the Almighty regard it.

“The Almighty—we cannot find Him;
He is exalted in power
And He will not do violence to [nor disregard] justice and abundant righteousness.

“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
Let him who disputes with God answer it.”

“Adorn yourself with eminence and dignity [since you question the Almighty],
And array yourself with honor and majesty.