Job 22

1 Then in response, Eliphaz from Teman said:ISV — Job 22:1

2 “Can a human being be useful to God, since he, who is wise, is sufficient to himself?ISV — Job 22:2

3 Will it please the Almighty if you are innocent, or does he profit if your life is ^{a22:3 Lit. your ways are} blameless?ISV — Job 22:3

4 Will he acquit you just because you fear him, and render a verdict on your behalf?ISV — Job 22:4

5 Your wickedness is great, isn’t it? There’s no limit to your iniquity, is there?ISV — Job 22:5

6 “After all, you’ve taken collateral from your relatives for no reason; you stripped the naked of their clothing. ^{b22:6 i.e. in exchange for a short-term loan}ISV — Job 22:6

7 You’ve neglected to give water to the weary, ^{c22:7 MT has cause the weary to drink} and you’ve withheld food from the hungry.ISV — Job 22:7

8 The land belongs to the powerful, and the privileged ^{d22:8 Lit. who lifts the face} thrive in it.ISV — Job 22:8

9 You sent away widows empty-handed, and broke the outstretched arms of orphans.ISV — Job 22:9

10 That’s why disaster surrounds you, terror suddenly overwhelms you,ISV — Job 22:10

11 you see nothing but darkness, and a flood of troubles ^{e22:11 The Heb. lacks of troubles} drowns you.”ISV — Job 22:11

12 “Isn’t God in heaven above? Consider how far away the stars are, and how lofty they are!ISV — Job 22:12

13 You’ve asked, ‘What does God know? Can he sort through pitch black darkness?’ ^{f22:13 Or deep darkness}ISV — Job 22:13

14 Thick clouds cover him so he can’t see as he walks back and forth at heaven’s horizon.ISV — Job 22:14

15 “Will you keep walking on the traditional path that sinners ^{g22:15 MT has men of iniquity} have tread,ISV — Job 22:15

16 who were snatched away before their time; when their foundation was swept away by a river?ISV — Job 22:16

17 They told God, ‘Get away from us!’ and ‘What will the Almighty do to them?’ISV — Job 22:17

18 “Though God ^{h22:18 Lit. he} fills their houses with good things, the counsel of the wicked will remain far from me.ISV — Job 22:18

19 The righteous will see this and rejoice; the innocent will insult him, saying, ^{i22:19 The Heb. lacks saying}ISV — Job 22:19

20 ‘Our enemies are sure to be destroyed, and fire will burn up what’s left of their riches.”ISV — Job 22:20

21 “Get to know God, and you’ll be at peace with him, and then prosperity will come to you.ISV — Job 22:21

22 Accept what he has to teach you, and treasure his words in your heart.ISV — Job 22:22

23 “If you return to the Almighty you’ll be restored, as you remove iniquity from your household. ^{j22:23 Lit. tent}ISV — Job 22:23

24 Bury your gold nuggets in the dust, and your source of gold ^{k22:24 Lit. Ophir; i.e., an ancient source fine gold; cf. 1Chr 29:4} among the stones in a streambed,ISV — Job 22:24

25 and then the Almighty will be your gold and your refined silver.ISV — Job 22:25

26 “Then you’ll take delight in the Almighty; and will turn your face toward God.ISV — Job 22:26

27 You’ll entreat him and he’ll listen to you as you fulfill your vows.ISV — Job 22:27

28 When you make a decision on something, it will be established for you, and light will brighten ^{l22:28 Or enlighten} your way.ISV — Job 22:28

29 “For when they’re humbled, you may respond; ^{m22:29 Lit. say back} ‘It’s their pride!’ but he delivers the humble.ISV — Job 22:29

30 He’ll even deliver the guilty, who will be delivered through your innocence.” ^{n22:30 Lit. through the cleanness of your hands}ISV — Job 22:30