1 Eliphaz from Teman* said:

2 * What use are we humans

to God,

even the wisest of us?

3 If you were completely sinless,

that would still mean nothing

to God All-Powerful.

4 Is he correcting you

for worshiping him?

5 No! It's because of

your terrible and endless sins.

6 To guarantee payment of a debt,

you have taken clothes

from innocent people.

7 And you refused bread and water

to the hungry and thirsty,

8 although you were rich,

respected, and powerful.

9 You have turned away widows

and have broken the arms

of orphans.

10 That's why you were suddenly

trapped by terror,

11 blinded by darkness,

and drowned in a flood.

12 God lives in the heavens

above the highest stars,

where he sees everything.

13 Do you think the deep darkness

hides you from God?

14 Do thick clouds cover his eyes,

as he walks around heaven's dome

high above the earth?

15 Give up those ancient ideas

believed by sinners,

16 who were swept away

without warning.

17 They rejected God All-Powerful,

feeling he was helpless,

18 although he had been kind

to their families.

The beliefs of these sinners

are truly disgusting.

19 When God's people see

the godless swept away,

they celebrate, 20 saying,

"Our enemies are gone,

and fire has destroyed

their possessions."

21 Surrender to God All-Powerful!

You will find peace

and prosperity.

22 Listen to his teachings

and take them to heart.

23 If you return to God

and turn from sin,

all will go well for you.

24 So get rid of your finest gold,

as though it were sand.

25 Let God All-Powerful

be your silver and gold,

26 and you will find happiness

by worshiping him.

27 God will answer your prayers,

and you will keep the promises

you made to him.

28 He will do whatever you ask,

and life will be bright.

29 When others are disgraced,

God will clear their names

in answer to your prayers.

30 Even those who are guilty

will be forgiven,

because you obey God.*