Job 22

1Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

2Can a man bring benefit to God? For one who understands brings benefit to himself.

3Does the Almighty delight that you are righteous, or does he profit when you perfect your ways?

4Does he correct you for your fear? Does he come into judgment with you?

5Isn't your evil great? There is no end to your iniquities.

6For you have taken your brother's pledge for nothing, and stripped the naked of their garments.

7You did not give water to the thirsty to drink, and you denied bread to the hungry.

8A powerful man possessed the land, and one who showed partiality dwelt in it.

9You sent widows away empty-handed, and the arms of the orphans were crushed.

10Therefore snares surround you, and sudden dread terrifies you.

11Or darkness, so you cannot see, and floodwaters cover you.

12Isn't God in the heights of heaven? See the highest stars, for they are exalted!

13And you say, "What does God know? Does he judge through the gloom?

14Thick clouds cover him so that he does not see, and he walks the circuit of heaven.

15Will you keep the ancient path that men of iniquity have trodden?

16who were cut down before their time, whose foundation a river poured out

17who said to God, “Turn away from us—what can the Almighty do for them?”

18He filled their houses with good, but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

19The righteous see and rejoice, and the innocent mocks them.

20Surely our substance was not cut down, but fire devoured their remnant.

21Acquaint yourself now with him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.

22Accept instruction now from his mouth, and place his words in your heart.

23If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up; you will remove iniquity far from your tent.

24Lay gold in the dust, and Ophir among the rocks of the brooks.

25The Almighty will be your treasure, and silver in abundance for you.

26For then you will take delight in the Almighty and lift your face to God.

27Pray to him, and he will hear you; fulfill your vows.

28You will decree a word, and it will stand for you; light will shine on your paths.

29When they are brought low, you say, "Exaltation!" and he saves those with humble eyes.

30He will deliver the innocent island, and it will be delivered through the purity of your hands.