‘Can [mortal] man be just before God or be more righteous than He?
Can a man be pure before his Maker or be more cleansed than He?

“I am a joke to my friends;
I, one whom God answered when he called upon Him—
A just and blameless man is a joke [and laughed to scorn].

“Does the ear not put words to the test,
Just as the palate tastes its food [distinguishing between the desirable and the undesirable]?

“Should a wise man [such as you] utter such windy and vain knowledge [as we have just heard]
And fill himself with the east wind [of withering, parching, and violent accusations]?

“What is man, that he should be pure and clean,
Or he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous and just?

He may prepare it, but the just will wear it
And the innocent will divide the silver.

Oh, let Him weigh me with accurate scales,
And let God know my integrity.

“I assure you, the men of my tent have said,
‘Who can find one [in need] who has not been satisfied with his meat’?

“Look, let me answer you, in this you are not right or just;
For God is greater and far superior to man.

“Shall one who hates justice [and is an enemy of right] govern?
And will you condemn Him who is just and mighty?