26. He punishes them for the evil they doso that everyone else can watch,
27. because they stopped following Godand did not care about any of his ways.
28. The cry of the poor comes to God;he hears the cry of the needy.
29. But if God keeps quiet, who can blame him?If he hides his face, who can see him?God still rules over both nations and persons alike.
30. He keeps the wicked from rulingand from trapping others.
31. “But suppose someone says to God,‘I am guilty, but I will not sin anymore.
32. Teach me what I cannot see.If I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’
33. So, Job, should God reward you as you wantwhen you refuse to change?You must decide, not I,so tell me what you know.
34. “Those who understand speak,and the wise who hear me say,
35. ‘Job speaks without knowing what is true;his words show he does not understand.’
36. I wish Job would be tested completely,because he answered like an evil man!
37. Job now adds to his sin by turning against God.He claps his hands in protest,speaking more and more against God.”